My Infertility Story

2014 Mackay Memorial Hospital IVF Family Reunion Philippines

2014-06-04T01:04:00.003-07:00

Hello to all my readers! It has been awhile since I last checked my account. I was surprised to see a few messages that I was not able to reply, some dating back almost a year a go already. Anyway, I hope those who sent me messages of inquiry are all pregnant already by now :-)

I want to clarify my intention in writing about my IVF experience in Taiwan. I wrote down in detail the procedures I went through so as to encourage couples to try IVF as a last resort. They can opt to do it in the Philippines or in any country of their choice. I am not promoting IVF in Taiwan. It just so happen that that was my most recent successful procedure and still have a good memory of what I went through, so might as well write it down for people to it use as reference. I still believe it is up to God when He wants to bless couples with a baby. It is not fully dependent on where it should be done or who will do the procedure.

Incidentally, the hospital where I had my successful IVF procedure in Taiwan is coming to town. Mackay Memorial Hospital is hosting an IVF Family Reunion of their patients in the Philippines on June 12, 2014 at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel. The event is also open to couples who would like to know more about their services.

In this occasion, you will be able to direct your inquiries personally to the hospital’s International Medical Service Center representatives. Based on the schedule they provided, there will be doctor’s consultation at the later part of the program. Past patients will also be there to share their experiences.

For those interested I can forward to you their email so you can register to join the event. Please leave your email address here.

Total Cost of IVF in Taiwan

2012-11-09T08:44:00.001-08:00

This is to summarize all our expenses for the IVF Procedure in Taiwan.

First trip for initial consultation and Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood test, takes maximum of 2 nights stay in hotel. Airfare is for wife and husband or one companion.

	USD	NT$	Php
Airfare ($260 x 2)	520.00		21,840.00
Accommodation (NT$1,480/night x 2 nights)		2,960.00	4,479.07
Meal Allowance		1,000.00	1,513.20
Hospital Expenses		3,432.00	5,388.24
TOTAL	520.00	7,392.00	33,220.51

For the actual IVF month, here is a summary of expenses. Airfare was multiplied by 3 assuming husband goes there twice.

	USD	NT$	Php
Airfare ($260 x 3)	780.00		32,760.00
KT Star (NT$1,100/night x 30 days)		33,000.00	49,935.60
Meal Allowance		15,000.00	22,698.00
Electricity & Water		2,200.00	3,329.04
TOTAL	780.00	50,200.00	108,722.64

Hospital Bills:

	NT$	Php
Day 1	760.00	1,150.03
Day 3	22,751.00	34,426.81
Day 6	12,991.00	19,657.98
Day 8	9,897.00	14,976.14
Day 10	6,498.00	9,832.77
Day 11	6,282.00	9,505.92
Day 12	2,914.00	4,409.46
Day 14 (Ovum Pickup, IVF)	42,196.00	63,850.99
Day 17 (Embryo Transfer)	37,607.00	56,906.91
TOTAL	141,896.00	214,717.03

All in all cost for IVF in Taiwan including board and lodging is around Php356,660.18. Of course this is just the minimum, this may vary depending on where you have your meals. This excludes expenses incurred in visiting other places in Taipei and shopping allowance.

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 14) : The Pregnancy Test

2012-11-03T19:35:00.001-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 13) : The 2-Week Wait Period

On May 22, Sunday, 8:00 am finally the day has arrived. I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital with my mom to have my hCG blood test. The whole way to and from Mackay Memorial Hospital I was praying that I get positive result. Since the result would not come out until 10:00 am we went back to KT Star after blood extraction.

My daughter and sister, who came 3 days before, just woke up when we returned. We took time in having our breakfast while my sister and my daughter got dressed. At 10:00 am when we were about to leave for the hospital, I received a call from the IVF Lab reminding me to get the letter of Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang. I did not ask for my result as I thought it was a pre-instruction to them that I am supposed to get the letter this day. Besides it was 10:00 am they may not yet have the result yet.

My heartbeat was fast, my hands were getting cold, I was nervous. I was silent during the walk. I said to the Lord, Thy will be done. I will accept the result be it positive or negative. I have a daughter already if He wants us to just have one child then so be it.

My husband was in Macau at that time for a conference.

When we reached the IVF Lab, a staff was already waiting for us. She said your result is 343 mIU/ml, this means you are PREGNANT! Congratulations! She handed me the pre-prepared letter of Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang addressed to my Manila OB-Gyne for further instructions. Then she was in a hurry to close the IVF Lab main door as they have a procedure inside. This explained why she had to call me already at 10:00 am when I was not there yet.

Dr. Lee’s letter stated that I was to continue my vaginal progesterone up to 16 weeks. He suggests to take Amniocentesis (Amniotic Fluid Test or AFT) later, I just cannot remember exactly at what stage of pregnancy but it should be between 16 to 22 weeks.

We were all so delighted especially my daughter. Her wish had come true. I then called my husband to tell him the good news.

That night, since I am already pregnant, my sister and mom helped me packed our things, not letting me exert too much effort. Next day 11:30am was our flight back to Manila.

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 13) : The 2-Week Wait Period

2012-10-30T06:35:00.001-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 12) : Menstrual Cycle Day 17 Embryo Transfer (ET) Day

After the Embryo Transfer (ET), I need to inject 2 vials of progesterone in the mornings and use vaginal progesterone in the evenings everyday. Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang said there is no need for bed rest after ET, in fact, after 3 days you can go back home and do normal activities. However, I voluntarily obliged myself to take extra care. This was due to my previous IVF procedures in Manila where I was asked to take bed rest for the entire 2 weeks. I wanted to follow this just to be sure. Anyway there is nothing to lose and after all the intention of staying in Taiwan for a month is to get pregnant. Most of all, this is going to be my last pregnancy workup, better be careful than to regret.

My husband stayed until 4 days after ET. With him around, I did not have to walk to Mackay Memorial Hospital everyday for my injections. This was not our first time to do pregnancy workup, my husband, through the many workups we had had learned to do my injections.

During those 4 days I just stayed home, husband takes home food for me or buys my food first before going out with my daughter. When they were both out, it’s my quiet time. I did not get bored at all as there was Internet access and there were so many Chinese Telenovelas I can watch.

The day before my husband left, my mother came over to take over my husband’s duty. However, she cannot do my injections. So when my husband left, I started to walk to the hospital everyday for my injections. You might be wondering why I just walked to the hospital and not take a bus or a taxi. At 1-kilometer distance, it is too short for a ride, it is even longer to wait for a bus to come. Since I walk to and from the hospital, logically I can walk to the nearby restaurants to eat. Therefore there was no need for my mother to get me food. However, she needs to help me look after my daughter while I seemed to be incapacitated.

The normal 2 weeks wait until pregnancy test was shorter this time. Dr. Lee instructed me to take the hCG blood test on May 22 at 8:00 am. I should have the result by 10:00 am. If positive, I need to get his letter to my doctor in Manila from the IVF Lab.

to be continued… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 14) : The Pregnancy Test

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 12) : Menstrual Cycle Day 17 Embryo Transfer (ET) Day

2012-10-23T07:07:00.000-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 11) : Menstrual Cycle Day 16

On my Day 17, May 11, I was half excited half nervous as we walk to Mackay Memorial Hospital for the Embryo Transfer (ET). Excited because finally we are getting there but nervous since only 2 embryos were fertilized, as what was relayed to me.

When we entered the IVF Lab, the embryologist gave me a thumbs-up sign and was very happy. I was puzzled by her reaction. She came to us and explained the grades of the embryos.

Out of 8 eggs retrieved, 7 embryos were fertilized not 2. All embryos that day looked good and had grades of 1 and 2. However 3 of the embryos, as explained to me in layman’s term, may not be as good because during observation stage the embryos did not divide in the normal sequence i.e. one cell becoming two, two cells becoming four, and so on. Either they missed it during observation (timing was not right) or there were really abnormalities during development. But come day of Embryo Transfer all had divided beautifully.

I was delighted of the good news when I entered the room where Embryo Transfer was done. This could have helped in the success of my IVF as I was in a very good mood during ET.

The IVF Lab staff prepared me and after a few minutes Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang came in. He told me that he would be transferring 4 embryos to me, 2 grade ones and 2 grade twos. While Dr. Lee was checking on me, preparing for the transfer, 4 IVF Lab staff stood beside him. When he was ready, the lamp Dr. Lee uses was turned off, one staff looked at her watch timing the transfer from the time the embryologist took out the embryos until Dr. Lee had completed the Embryo Transfer. I cannot remember how long the transfer should be completed but I know it must be quick as explained to me by Dr. Lee.

I asked Dr. Lee if I could have a photo of the embryos he transferred to me as a souvenir because I normally have it from my IVF procedures here in Manila. He said it could not be done because embryos are very sensitive to exposure to light like flash from the camera. This was also the reason why during ET he had to turn off the lamp.

After the procedure he explained to me that the other 3 embryos would not be stored anymore; that even though all has high grade, development were not good. I would only waste NT$10,000 for storage fee. He wished me luck and said hopefully that one of the 4 embryos would be successful. I was not regretful of the 3 embryos to be discarded, as I did not want anything for me to come back for anymore. This is it, be it successful or not, this is my last pregnancy workup.

He then told me that I could do pregnancy test 11 days after, which was on May 22, Sunday, a day before my scheduled trip back to Manila. Again, since it was a Sunday, I need to go to the Emergency Room to request for the hCG blood test.

He repeated the instruction for me to inject 2 vials a day of progesterone and use once a day vaginal progesterone, Crinone 8%. Since he had already given me all the injectable progesterone during Ovum Pickup, he counted the number of Crinone I would need to buy, plus extra 10 more of it so if I tested positive, I will have time to source it here in Manila after I arrive.

I was left in the room lying down for more than half an hour. Since there is Wifi anywhere in the hospital, I was e-chatting with people in Manila.

My husband and daughter waited at the IVF Lab. My husband was able to talk to Dr. Lee and expressed his concern of multiple pregnancies because 4 embryos were transferred to me. Dr. Lee said not to worry, in fact at my age, 40 turning 41, we should be happy if I even get pregnant with one.

My husband went to pay our bill of NT$37,607.00, breakdown as follows:

	NT$	Php
Medicines	5,315.00	8,042.66
Treatment	31,650.00	47,892.78
Laboratory	576.00	871.60
Medical Supp	6.00	9.08
Pharmacy Service	60.00	90.79
	37,607.00	56,906.91

This was our last bill in the entire IVF workup. Post IVF procedure medicines are all included in our bills already.

That day, for the first time we took the cab back to KT Star.

to be continued… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 13) : The 2-Week Wait Period

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 11) : Menstrual Cycle Day 16

2012-10-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 10) : Menstrual Cycle Day 15 Day After Ovum Pickup

May 10, 2 days after Ovum Pickup, we were supposed to go to Window on China (小人國) or Leofoo Village (六福村主題遊樂園). However, I need to check first if Embryo Transfer (ET) will be done this day. At 9:00 am, I called the IVF Lab of Mackay Memorial Hospital to find out, I was told that Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang said to just do the procedure as scheduled the next day, Day 17 at 10:00 am.

Due to the news we received the day before from the IVF Lab, that out of 8 eggs retrieved only 2 embryos were fertilized, we chose to just stay in the city and not to tire ourselves or not to tire me in preparation for the Embryo Transfer.

That day, we just strolled around the city and went to Miramar Shopping Mall (美麗華) located at Neihu District and is most notable for it's big Ferris Wheel. Aside from shops, the mall has movie theaters, supermarket and food court.

Miramar Shopping Mall (Photo by Google Images)

To go there you can take the MRT to Jiannan Road Station (劍南路) found at the Brown line.

to be continued... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 12) : Menstrual Cycle Day 17 Embryo Transfer (ET) Day

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 10) : Menstrual Cycle Day 15 The Day After Ovum Pickup

2012-10-16T20:18:00.001-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 9) : Menstrual Cycle Day 14 Ovum Pickup Day

The day after Ovum Pickup, we planned to go to Wulai (烏來) to see the waterfalls. But before heading there, we had to do our duty first, go to Mackay Memorial Hospital and have 2 vials of progesterone injection.

After the injection, we went to Hankyu Mall in Taipei City Hall station along the MRT blue line. Had our lunch there and visited Eslite Bookstore first.

Wulai (烏來) is a small town in Taipei County, Taiwan, famous for its hot springs and aboriginal culture. Going to Wulai is not hard. By MRT, go to Xindian Station at the South end of the Green Xindian Line. From there take Bus No. 849 to Wulai.

Going to Wulai Waterfalls, you will pass through Wulai Old Street where you will find delicacies and restaurants. At the end Wulai Old Street, there are vendors selling different sorts of BBQs like their local hotdogs. From there you will cross a bridge where you will see the hot springs where some locals and tourists bathe.

Reading from some websites about Wulai Waterfalls, it said not to take a taxi ride as it will be a nice stroll of less than half an hour. So we walked… We saw a lot of hotels along the way where they offer bathing in hot springs. At first we were enjoying the walk taking pictures along the way however the road, called Lover’s Path, is uphill. We were with our daughter in her stroller. We had to push her up while walking uphill. The good walk was no longer a good one anymore! Though the weather was good, we were perspiring and getting tired. As we walk, we see people coming down from the other direction, when asked if the waterfalls is still far, they would say no, just keep walking it's a good walk. We wanted to give up already but we were already halfway so we keep going and going.

At 4:00 pm we stopped to call the IVF Lab as we were instructed the day before to check on the number of embryos fertilized. I was informed that only 2 embryos were fertilized out of the 8 eggs retrieved. I was saddened by the news. I asked how come only 2 embryos were fertilized, the embryologist explained probably due to my age, the quality of the eggs retrieved were not as good anymore.

The embryologist said since only 2 embryos were successfully fertilized, Dr. Lee might opt to do the Embryo Transfer (ET) the next day, Day 16 at 10:00 am, instead of Day 17. The reason behind this, as explained to me by the embryologist, since there were only 2 embryos we are not waiting for other embryos to fertilized anymore so might as well put the embryo back to the mother’s uterus, the earlier the better for the embryos to develop. So I was asked to call the IVF Lab the next day at 9:00 am to check if we are pushing through with ET.

I felt down at that moment realizing that I am not that young anymore. My husband consoled me saying all we need is 1 embryo, so be happy that there were 2. I was just thinking at that time what if these 2 embryos were not so good too? Then the chance of getting pregnant becomes smaller.

We continued to walk up the trail going to the waterfalls, we were both silent that even our daughter felt the sadness in me. While walking I was thinking if our out of town trip to Ye Liu the day before Ovum Pickup could have affected the quality of my eggs since we were tired with the long trip. And if the Embryo Transfer pushes through the next day, would I be too tired from the day’s walk?

Finally, we reached the end of the walk, we saw the waterfalls…my daughter’s first time to see an actual natural waterfalls. I cannot remember how long we walked that path but I am sure it was not just half an hour and the distance as I came to know was 3 kilometers.

Feeling all tired, we took the train back and started to head home…hoping to be able to rest well that night and recover from the tiredness of the long walk we just had in case we are pushing through with ET the next day.

to be continued… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 11) : Menstrual Cycle Day 16

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 9) : Menstrual Cycle Day 14 Ovum Pickup Day

2012-10-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 8) : Menstrual Cycle Day 12 Doctor’s Consultation

We woke up early this day for my egg retrieval. Part of me excited or anxious to get it over with after 2 weeks of busyness with going to and back from the hospital for my daily injections and doctor’s consultation.

My daughter had been very cooperative all these time, walking 1.0 km. to the hospital with me for my daily injections and cheering me up saying "加油" while I am being injected. She wakes up early without fuss the last few days for my early blood tests and this very important day. While I dress her up, husband did his sperm collection in the comfort room (of course!). I felt good then after all it was Mother’s Day and what day could be a better day for Ovum Pickup. I thought to myself, God is giving me a special gift, a baby on Mother’s Day!

We went to Mackay Memorial Hospital with the collected sperm and gave it first to the IVF Lab located at the 6^th floor. Then we proceeded to the Delivery Room, the nurse let me in and gave me a set of hospital gown and cap. My husband and daughter waited outside. After changing, I met them at the window, they wished me luck and off they went to have their breakfast.

At the Delivery Room, I chatted with the nurses inside while they were preparing me. They asked me how long have I been in Taiwan. I reluctantly said 2 weeks and that I came to Taiwan just for the workup. They were surprised as they thought I have been living in Taiwan for sometime because I can speak Mandarin. So I explained my educational background, studied in Saint Jude Catholic School for 13 years, how could you not speak the Language?

Then the nurse informed me they are putting me to sleep now. I knocked off!

When I woke up, it’s done and Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang was also gone. The nurse handed me my clothes so I can change. I was starving! My husband and daughter were there to meet me after I changed, with a sandwich. Husband had anticipated I should be very hungry as I did not take anything that morning due to fasting from 12 midnight onwards and it was already lunchtime then.

While I was asleep, my husband paid the hospital bills and got all the medicines from the pharmacy. Dr. Lee gave him instructions for the next few days. I need to inject 2 vials of progesterone every day and use vaginal progesterone, Crinone 8%, once a day starting after Ovum Pickup. Other medicines given were antacid, pain reliever and antibiotic. On the day of Embryo Transfer (ET) I need to bring 1 Crinone to be used right after ET.

My hospital bill was NT$42.196.00, breakdown as follows:

	NT$	Php
Registration	100.00	151.32
Dr. Examination	300.00	453.96
Medicines	2,999.00	4,538.09
Treatment	828.00	1,252.93
Surgery	26,361.00	39,889.47
Anesthesia	4,338.00	6,564.26
Medical Supplies	7,210.00	10,910.17
Pharmacy Service	60.00	90.79
	42,196.00	63,850.99

This time I could not breakdown the cost of the medicines anymore but it includes 12 pieces each of antacid, pain reliever and antibiotics and 5 pieces of Crinone 8% (vaginal progesterone) and 32 vials of injectable progesterone to be injected 2 vials each day until positive pregnancy test.

A total of 8 eggs were retrieved. I was to call the IVF Lab the next day at 4:00 pm to find out how many embryos were fertilized. Tentative date of Embryo Transfer (ET) was 10:30 am of May 11, 2011, my Day 17. This means we have 2 days vacation from our workup. Oh well, not totally a break as I still need to have progesterone injection in the mornings.

to be continued... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 10) : Menstrual Cycle Day 15 The Day After Ovum Pickup

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 8) : Menstrual Cycle Day 12 Doctor’s Consultation

2012-10-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 7) : Menstrual Cycle Day 11 Doctor’s Consultation

May 6, my Day 12, husband is coming but since his flight is arriving at 10:00 am, he will reach KT Star by 11:30 am already. He definitely will not make it to that day’s doctor’s consultation.

As early as 8:00 am, I had my blood extracted for E2 test and went to the Injection Room for my Cetrotide shot. Next I went to the Ultrasound Room. By this time, I am becoming friends with the Sonologist in the Ultrasound Room. She told me places where I can go sight seeing with my family. Because we can take the opportunity to go farther from Taipei City between egg retrieval or ovum pickup day and embryo transfer day, as there won’t be any injections to do. I’ll talk more about these places later on, in the meantime I’ll finish up my blogs on my IVF workup first.

The follicles in my right ovary became 4 but the additional follicle found was less than 1 cm. The sizes of my follicles on my right ovary were 1.32 cm., 0.93 cm., 1.37 cm. and 1.22 cm. The follicles in my left ovary were more appropriate in sizes, 1.96 cm., 1.7 cm., 2.02 cm., 1.74 cm. and 1.85 cm.

Dr. Lee said it was about time. I need to be injected 1.5 vial of Ovidrel that night at 10:00 pm. Since the Injection Room will be closed by then, I have to go to the Emergency Room and have it done there.

4/27	4/28	4/29	4/30	5/1	5/2	5/3	5/4	5/5	5/6
Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10	Day 11	Day 12
2 vials HMG Menopur / day			2 vials HMG Menopur/day		2 vials HMG Menopur/day		3 vials Menopur	2 vials Menopur
225 IU Gonal-F / day				225 IU Gonal-F/day		225 IU Gonal-F	120 IU Gonal-F		1.5 vials Ovidrel
						0.25 mg Cetrotide		0.25 mg Cetrotide	0.25 mg Cetrotide

He scheduled my Ovum Pickup on Sunday, May 8, Mother’s Day at 8:00 am. We have to be at Mackay Memorial Hospital’s Operating Room found at the 7th Floor of the old building by 7:30 am for preparation. I need to fast from 12 midnight onwards.

After the consultation, I was led to another room where I need to sign documents for my Ovum Pickup. Since my Ovum Pickup fell on a Sunday, a non-working day, all fees are up by 30%. Plus I need to pay additional NT$11,000 for ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and another NT$11,000 for AH (Assisted Hatching).

My bill this visit was NT$2,914.00, breakdown as follows:

		NT$	Php
Registration		100.00	151.32
Dr. Examination		300.00	453.96
Ovidrel 2 vials	1,195.00	2,390.00	3,616.55
Treatment		42.00	63.55
Medical Supplies		22.00	33.29
Pharmacy Service		60.00	90.79
		2,914.00	4,409.46

Before leaving the hospital I went to the IVF Lab where they handed me a sterilized bottle for husband's sperm collection. He may opt to do it at home and bring the bottle to the hospital.

There was no further instruction or any injections to be done on Day 13.

To be continued… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 9) : Menstrual Cycle Day 14 Ovum Pickup Day

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 7) : Menstrual Cycle Day 11 Doctor’s Consultation

2012-10-07T21:39:00.000-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 6) : Menstrual Cycle Day 10 Doctor’s Consultation

As instructed I was back to Mackay Memorial Hospital the next day, May 5, Day 11 at 8:30 am and went to the Ultrasound room for my usual scan. Then went to the IVF Lab at the 6^th floor where the staff called Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang to report on my ultrasound result.

My follicles in my right ovary were all at 1 cm. sizes, 1.13 cm., 1.0 cm. and 1.25 cm. Follicles on my left ovary grew even bigger at 1.7 cm., 1.78 cm., 1.74 cm., 1.76 cm. and 1.64 cm. all at good sizes.

Dr. Lee’s instruction was:

Day 11 – inject 2 vials of Menopur

Day 12 – 0.25 mg of Cetrotide in the morning; E2 blood test at 8:00 am and Ultrasound. E2 blood test takes 3 hours to process, hence should be taken at the first hour so he can have my result by the time I reach his office.

4/27	4/28	4/29	4/30	5/1	5/2	5/3	5/4	5/5	5/6
Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10	Day 11	Day 12
2 vials HMG Menopur / day			2 vials HMG Menopur/day		2 vials HMG Menopur/day		3 vials Menopur	2 vials Menopur
225 IU Gonal-F / day				225 IU Gonal-F/day		225 IU Gonal-F	120 IU Gonal-F
						0.25 mg Cetrotide		0.25 mg Cetrotide	0.25 mg Cetrotide

My bill for this visit was NT$6,282.00, breakdown as follows:

		NT$	Php
Registration		100.00	151.32
Dr. Examination		300.00	453.96
Medicines
Menopur 2 vials	1,140.00	2,280.00	3,450.10
Cetrotide 1 pack	2,160.00	2,160.00	3,268.51
Treatment		84.00	127.11
Laboratory		1,284.00	1,942.95
Medical Supp		14.00	21.18
Pharmacy Service		60.00	90.79
		6,282.00	9,505.92

Next consultation is the next day, May 6, my Day 12.

To be continued… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 8) : Menstrual Cycle Day 12 Doctor's Consultation

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 6) : Menstrual Cycle Day 10 Doctor’s Consultation

2012-10-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

continued from… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 5) : Menstrual Cycle day 8 Doctor’s Consultation

On my Day 10, May 4, I had to go to Mackay Memorial Hospital twice. Once in the morning for my Cetrotide injection and in the afternoon for my doctor’s consultation since Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang’s clinic on Wednesdays is at 2:00 in the afternoon.

As usual I had my ultrasound done first as I arrive in the afternoon. Since I was nearing my ovulation, my follicles are now bigger and monitoring of my follicles were now done daily. My right ovary’s follicles now became 3, 1.31 cm., 0.88 cm. and 0.86cm. Only the 1.31 cm. is significant although still not as big as my follicles in my left ovary. The 5 follicles in my left ovary are now 1.61 cm., 1.58 cm., 1.33 cm., 1.62 cm. and 1.34 cm.

My day for egg retrieval was nearing. I informed Dr. Lee that my husband’s flight is 2 days after, on my Day 12 and asked if he will be in Taiwan just in time. He said no problem as he can adjust the dosage of my shots. Since my hubby’s flight is arriving around 10:00 am on Day 12, egg retrieval cannot be performed that day anymore, the earliest day we can do the egg retrieval is on my Day 13.

Instructions of Dr. Lee were getting more but not complicated:

Day 10 (which was the day of my visit) - 3 vials of HMG Menopur. He asked the nurse to put together in a syringe all the remaining Gonal-F from the pens I brought with me. The nurse collected 120 IU, Dr. Lee did not like wasting medicines, especially that of Gonal-F which is quite expensive. He calculates the dosage I still needed each time he prescribed it to me to know whether I need to buy another pen or not. Dr. Lee then instructed the nurse to inject all the remaining (120 IU) Gonal-F to me.

Day 11 – I should continue with 0.25 mg Cetrotide in the morning. At 8:30 am, I need to do my ultrasound. Since Dr. Lee has no clinic on a Thursday, I was asked to bring my ultrasound result to the 6^th Floor or the IVF Lab. The staff in the lab will call him for further instructions.

4/27	4/28	4/29	4/30	5/1	5/2	5/3	5/4	5/5
Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10	Day 11
2 vials HMG Menopur / day			2 vials HMG Menopur/day		2 vials HMG Menopur/day		3 vials Menopur
225 IU Gonal-F / day				225 IU Gonal-F/day		225 IU Gonal-F	120 IU Gonal-F
						0.25 mg Cetrotide		0.25 mg Cetrotide

My bill for this visit was NT$6,498.00, breakdown as follows:

		NT$	Php
Registration		100.00	151.32
Dr. Examination		300.00	453.96
Medicines
Menopur 3 vials	1,140.00	3,420.00	5,175.14
Cetrotide 1 pack	2,160.00	2,160.00	3,268.51
Treatment		84.00	127.11
Ultrasound		360.00	544.75
Medical Supp		14.00	21.18
Pharmacy Service		60.00	90.79
		6,498.00	9,832.77

As mentioned above, I need to be back the next day, May 5, my Day 11.

to be continued… IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 7) : Menstrual Cycle Day 12 Doctor's Consultation

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 5) : Menstrual Cycle Day 8 Doctor’s Consultation

2012-10-03T20:46:00.002-07:00

continued from... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 4) : Menstrual Cycle Day 6 Doctor's Consultation

As per instruction of Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang, I went to Mackay Memorial Hospital on my Day 8, May 2, 2011 at 8:00 am to have my blood extracted for my Estradiol (E2) test. It takes about 3 hours for the result to come out, that is why Dr. Lee wanted me to take it as early as 8:00 am so he can have the result in time for my consultation that morning.

Since we were out so early we did not have breakfast. My daughter and I went to the nearby store selling freshly made dumplings and had our breakfast.

Taiwan's Freshly Made Dumplings

When we went back to Mackay Memorial Hospital, we proceeded to the Ultrasound Room. There were now 2 follicles in my right ovary, 0.86 cm and 0.67 cm. On my left ovary, there were 5 follicles, the largest is 1.32 cm., the rest were 1.05 cm., 1.25 cm., 1.12 cm. and 1.1 cm. My E2 result was already at Dr. Lee’s clinic when I saw him, it was 461 pg/nl. According to ivfconnections.com, if the level of E2 is between 150-500 pg/nl on day 8, this is a satisfactory measure. And if it doubles about every 48 hours, follicle growth remains on track and is promising.

This time Dr. Lee asked me to continue with 2 vials each day of HMG Menopur for 2 days, Day 8 and Day 9. Dr. Lee gave me another medicine Cetrotide (Cetrorelix Acetate) 0.25mg/day for Day 9 and Day 10. Gonal-F still at 225 IU on Day 9 and to bring the leftover of Gonal-F on the next day’s visit.

4/25	4/26	4/27	4/28	4/29	4/30	5/1	5/2	5/3	5/4
Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9	Day 10
		2 vials HMG Menopur / day			2 vials HMG Menopur/day		2 vials HMG Menopur/day
		225 IU Gonal-F / day				225 IU Gonal-F/day		225 IU
								0.25 mg Cetrotide

My bill for this visit was NT$9,897.00, breakdown as follows:

		NT$	Php
Registration		100.00	151.32
Dr. Examination		300.00	453.96
Medicines
Menopur 4 vials	1,140.00	4,560.00	6,900.19
Cetrotide 2 packs	2,160.00	4,320.00	6,537.02
Treatment		168.00	254.22
Ultrasound		360.00	544.75
Medical Supp		29.00	43.88
Pharmacy Service		60.00	90.79
		9,897.00	14,976.14

My next Doctor’s consultation was after 2 days, May 4, 2011, my Day 10.

To be continued…

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 4) : Menstrual Cycle Day 6 Doctor’s Consultation

2012-09-30T19:32:00.001-07:00

continued from... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 3) : Menstrual Cycle Day 3 Doctor's Consultation

On my Day 6, the first thing I did when I arrived Mackay Memorial Hospital was to go to the Ultrasound Room. I handed the Ultrasound request and I was called in right away for my scan. After I got my result, I waited again for my turn outside Dr. Robert Lee-Kuo Kuang’s clinic.

My 5-year old daughter who was always with me when I go see Dr. Lee did not get bored while in the hospital. Each time I sat down to wait for my turn, she went around and played with the water vending machine. From afar, I hear the vending machine repeatedly goes 請用溫開水 (Feel free to use warm water). I know it was my daughter playing with it, drinking all the water she gets. Then later, she will come to me to ask me to go the comfort room with her to pee. As a consolation, she learned to say the phrase 請用溫開水 articulately J.

My follicles on Day 6 got a little more and a little bigger. My right ovary’s follicle grew from 0.33 cm to 0.57 cm while my left ovary had more follicles. There were 4 follicles in my left ovary that were significant 0.8 cm, 0.76 cm, 0.75 cm and 0.88 cm.

This time the instruction of Dr. Lee was to continue to inject 2 vials of HMG Menopur for 2 days, Day 6 and 7 and 225 IU of Gonal-F for 2 days, Day 7 and 8.

4/25	4/26	4/27	4/28	4/29	4/30	5/1	5/2
Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8
		2 vials HMG Menopur / day			2 vials HMG Menopur/day
		225 IU Gonal-F / day				225 IU Gonal-F/day

My bill for this visit totaled to NT$12,991.00, breakdown as follows:

		NT$	~~Php~~
Registration		100.00	151.32
Dr. Examination		300.00	453.96
Medicines
Menopur 4 vials	1,140.00	4,560.00	6,900.19
Gonal-F 1 pen	7,080.00	7,080.00	10,713.46
Treatment		84.00	127.11
Laboratory – Blood test E2		420.00	635.54
Ultrasound		360.00	544.75
Medical Supp		27.00	40.86
Pharmacy Service		60.00	90.79
		12,991.00	19,657.98

Injections to be done on Sundays are administered in the Emergency Room as the Injection Room is closed on Sundays. Just the same, you need to bring your passport with you for identification purposes.

Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang asked me to return 2 days after, May 2 Monday, which was my menstrual cycle Day 8. Aside from the usual ultrasound prior to Doctor’s consultation, I was also asked to take a blood test to check on my Estradiol (E2) at 8:00 am. E2 test result comes out in 3 hours which is about 11:00 am. This is the reason why Dr. Lee instructed me to have it done at 8:00 am so he could see my result by the time I go to his clinic.

To be continued... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 5) : Menstrual Cycle Day 8 Doctor's Consultation

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 3) : Menstrual Cycle Day 3 Doctor’s Consultation

2012-09-28T21:42:00.001-07:00

continued from... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 2) : First Doctor’s Visit with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang

April 27, 2011, Day 3 of my menstrual cycle, I went to see Dr. Robert Lee-Kuo Kuang at Mackay Memorial Hospital. Before going to Dr. Lee’s clinic, I have to go to the Ultrasound room, which is located at the rear end of the Second Floor area where the Doctors hold clinic. After my scan, I waited for my result, which takes them only a few minutes to prepare.

I took my result to the nurse at Dr. Lee’s clinic and waited for my turn outside. By the way, the hospital has free wifi internet access hence you can bring your gadget and chat with someone back home or surf the internet while waiting for your turn. This will surely keep you busy while waiting to be called.

As you can see from my Ovulation Monitoring Sheet (誘導排卵監測單) there is 1 follicle each on my right and left side ovary. The sizes are still very small at 0.33 cm and 0.38 cm, respectively.

I was instructed to inject 2 vials of HMG Menopur each day for 3 days starting Day 3 to Day 5. At the same time I need to inject 225 IU of Gonal-F for 4 days also starting Day 3 to Day 6.

4/25	4/26	4/27	4/28	4/29	4/30
Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
		2 vials HMG Menopur / day
		225 IU Gonal-F / day

My bill this visit was quite high as I started to take home fertility medicines. Total bill was NT$22,751.00, breakdown as follows:

		NT$	Php
Registration		100.00	151.32
Dr. Examination		300.00	453.96
Medicines
Menopur 6 vials	1,140.00	6,840.00	10,350.29
Gonal-F 2 pens	7,080.00	14,160.00	21,426.91
Treatment		906.00	1,370.96
Ultrasound		360.00	544.75
Medical Supp		25.00	37.83
Pharmacy Service		60.00	90.79
		22,751.00	34,426.81

Gonal-F is a pen type injection where needle is very thin and is injected in the tummy area. This is easy hence must be administered by yourself. The nurses at the Doctor's clinic taught me how to do it. But, injection is still injection. For someone who is so afraid of injections, it is still hard to get me to poke a needle to myself. For a video Gonal-F injection guide, you may visit this YouTube site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CRw3vf1oz4. Menopur, on the other hand, is intramascular injection this is done in the Injection Room found at the Ground Floor of the hospital.

Important reminder, you need to bring along an identification document like your passport before the nurse will perform the injection on you. It is important for them to be able to identify you first. No identification no injection!

After my consultation with Dr. Lee and paying my bill, I went to the Pharmacy to pick up my medicines. They gave me some ice to keep the medicines cold on my way home. These medicines should be stored in the refrigerator. Due to the medicines that I need to take home almost every after my Doctor's consultation, I go back first to KT Star before heading anywhere else.

Remember to bring ice also together with your medicines whenever you carry your medicine to the hospital for injection. Also, always have your injection everyday at almost the same time. I do mine between 10-10:30am. This gives me enough time to have breakfast and to prepare myself and my daughter to go out.

My next Doctor's consultation was after 3 days, April 30, 2011, my menstrual cycle’s Day 6.

To be continued... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 4) : Menstrual Cycle Day 6 Doctor's Consultation

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 2) : First Doctor’s Visit with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang

2012-09-26T06:49:00.001-07:00

continued from... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 1) : Arrival at Taipei

We were up early on Monday, April 25, 2011 for my first doctor’s appointment with Dr. Robert Lee-Kuo-Kuang at Mackay Memorial Hospital. That morning, 3 days after my last pill of Gynera, I still did not have my period. However, I have to meet Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang to get instructions on what to do when my period comes.

Husband, as per Dr. Lee's instruction during my initial visit last February, needs to do semenalysis. He did his sperm collection at home and just brought it to the IVF Lab.

The first visit was short. He gave me this sheet of paper that I have to bring along with me each time I see him, as this is where my workup details will be logged. This form is called 誘導排卵監測單, in English, Ovulation Monitoring Sheet.

Mackay Memorial Hospital Ovulation Monitoring Sheet

I was asked to return to him on my Day 2 or Day 3 menstrual cycle depending on his clinic schedule. For this short visit, my bill was NT$760.00, breakdown as follows:

	NT$	Php
Registration	100.00	151.32
Doctor Examination	300.00	453.96
Ultrasound	360.00	544.75
Total	760.00	1,150.03

Actually the Ultrasound fee included in this bill was for my Ultrasound on my next visit. Every visit, Dr. Lee gives instructions on what to do the next few days including request for Ultrasound on the next visit. Hence the Ultrasound fee is paid on the day the request is made. On the next visit, I need to go straight to the Ultrasound room, get the result which takes only a few minutes to get, and go to Dr. Lee's clinic for consultation.

My period came late that day therefore I had to return to him on Wednesday, April 27, my Day 3 which was Dr. Lee’s nearest clinic hours.

After my first visit with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang, we took the MRT to Zhongxiao Dunhua (忠孝敦化) Station along the blue line and had lunch at Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) at the green Sogo building.

鼎泰豐 Din Tai Fung at Zhongxiao East Road

That afternoon, we also visited Taipei 101 and shopped at Uniqlo in Taipei City Hall (市政府) station also along the MRT blue line.

Since my husband has no business anymore to stay in Taipei until around Day 12, he left the next day morning for Manila. I was left with my daughter to explore Taipei City while doing my workup.

To be continued... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 3) : Menstrual Cycle Day 3 Doctor's Consultation

Knock Knock : Who's There?

2012-09-24T21:36:00.001-07:00

Hi there peeps!

I have been writing blogs about my infertility treatment since June this year and would like to know if I am doing it right. Am I reaching my target readers? Are the information in my blogs helpful? Or do I raise more questions to my readers?

Please feel free to leave a note, comment or question, would love to hear from you.

IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part I) : Arrival at Taipei

2012-09-23T00:57:00.005-07:00

We arrived Taipei on April 23, 2011, Saturday and proceeded to KT Star. Taking the same bus ride I described in my previous blog. This time we got off the bus at Tatung University (大同大學) (H), cross the street and walked to Nong An St. (農安街) where KT Star is located (B).

Mackay Memorial Hospital Vicinity Map

We went to the Leasing Office to check in. Upon check in, we were asked to pay our rent for the entire month, NT$1,100 per day which is equivalent to NT$33,000 for 30 days. It is good that we were asked to pay already so we need not hold on to the cash for the entire month.

We were brought to a studio room (1 Bedroom unit) where there is no sofa set, just a kitchen and a bed. We felt claustrophobic hence requested for another room. We were brought to the room, which we saw during our initial inspection in February. You can view the picture of the room in my KT Star blog, the 16 ping unit.

Since it was already lunch, we left our luggage and took our lunch nearby. The rest of the afternoon was spent around the vicinity of KT Star familiarizing ourselves with the area. We bought some grocery items and of course MRT Cards and Cellphone Sim Cards. An MRT Card has a NT$20 deposit refundable upon return. Cellphone Sim Card costs NT$299 which can be bought at 7-11 however you need to bring along your passport as they need to photocopy it to register the Sim Card.

The weather on our first day was really cold, our appetite was up for a shabu-shabu meal. Good thing there is a shabu-shabu restaurant near KT Star.

Taiwan Shabu Shabu near KT Star

The next day, with nothing on our agenda, we went sight seeing at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (國立中正紀念堂).

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

To be continued... IVF Workup in Taiwan (Part 2) : First Doctor's Visit with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang

Some Things to Remember Before IVF Month

2012-09-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

After my initial visit to Taipei for my first consultation with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo- Kuang of Mackay Memorial Hospital, I am set to take the birth control pills on my next menstrual cycle. This was supposed to be at the end of February and I can leave for Taiwan for the IVF Procedure by the end of March. This is very good timing considering that I will be bringing my 5-year old daughter with me for my one-month stay in Taiwan as it’s vacation time already.

My cousin, who I am supposed to go with, chose to have her procedure done in May so that her baby will be born on the year of the dragon. Chinese New Year was January 23, 2012. However, due to my age, I did not want to delay for another couple of months. I wanted to do it as early as possible. Remember, to undergo IVF procedure you will need two menstrual cycles. The first month is spent taking birth control pills. It is only on the second month that the actual IVF procedure is undertaken.

Anyway, due to work related reasons we opted to delay for a month. On my second menstrual cycle after my visit to Taiwan I started taking Gynera on the 5th day. Around this time, we were already booking our flight to Taiwan. My menstrual cycle's day 1 was March 29, hence I started on my pills on April 2 taken every 9am. I set my cellphone's alarm so I will be reminded daily. I tend to forget especially when I am already busy at work. This is one thing that I have learned from my workups, you take your medicine or any fertility shots more or less at the same time each day if it should be taken once a day (meaning once every 24 hours). If it should be taken twice a day, then take it every 12 hours say every 8am and 8pm.

The following week, April 9 (Day 12), we had an overnight out of town trip with friends. We left early that day and at 9am my cellphone alarm turned on. Oh my! It was then that I realized I was not able to bring my pills! At that time, I did not mind taking a look at the name of the birth control pills, I remember there are Chinese characters and did not notice its English name. We then passed by Robinsons Pampanga's Mercury Drug to buy birth control pills. I asked the pharmacist if I could buy any brand just so I do not miss a couple of days and if all birth control pills can be interchangeably used. I only need 2 pieces of it while we are out of town. These types of medicine are not sold by piece, it should be bought by pack, as birth control pills should be taken daily without miss. The pharmacist said they are different from each other because they have different components. Oh no, panic mode on!

Good thing I have Ms. Vanessa Lin's cellphone number with me. I called to request her to check what Dr. Lee prescribed me. Luckily everything is in the computer and she was able to give me the name Gynera without having to stay on long distance call for long. Finally got Gynera from Mercury Drug at around P700. Instead of having it at a cheaper price from Taiwan I had to buy another set just for 2 pieces!

Counting 21 days, my last day will be on April 22 hence should book our flight to Taipei around April 24. Unfortunately, there is no flight with Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Sundays and if we delay our flight to Monday I could miss being there by Day 2. So we just left on Black Saturday, April 23 and set an appointment with Dr. Lee on April 25, Monday.

First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 4) : Activities after the Consultation

2012-08-21T22:07:00.001-07:00

continued from... First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 3) : The Consultation

After my consultation with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang, Ms. Tsai led us to the adjacent room to check if we understood what Dr. Lee has just said and to answer questions that we may still have. She handed me papers I need to present for Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) blood test, hubby’s Semenanalysis and claim of Gynera from the Pharmacy. I was also handed my bill.

Since there is a cashier at the second floor near the walkalator going down the ground floor, I opted to pay my bill first so I need not come up again. My total bill was NT$3,432.00 which to our surprise is not expensive. This is about P5,388.24. Breakdown of my bill is as follows:

	NT$	Php
Registration	150.00	235.50
Doctor's Fee	263.00	412.91
Medicine (pills)	120.00	188.40
Ultrasound	567.00	890.19
Basic examination	74.00	116.18
Semenalysis	1,365.00	2,143.05
AMH	840.00	1,318.80
Pharmacy Service	53.00	83.21
	-----------	-------------

Total

3,432.00

5,388.24

After paying we proceeded to the ground floor for the blood test. Though there was a queue in the Blood Extraction Section, they are very efficient and the wait was not long. Next, we proceeded to the Pharmacy, presented the paper to claim and it was already ready, neatly put inside a paper pouch.

Overall, my “First Step to Taiwan IVF” experience is not bad. I have a very good impression of Mackay Memorial Hospital as well as KT Star Service Apartment. The hospital is very efficient, no long wait for the procedures! The service apartment feels like a home in a hotel! With this, I am so looking forward to my workup. After all, successful or not, my one month stay in Taiwan will be my longest vacation ever.

For detailed blog about each activity after the consultation with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang you may click on the following blogs by Deborah:

IVF Consultation Part 3 : Infertility Treatment Consent Form
IVF Consultation Part 4 : Blood Test
IVF Consultation Part 6 : Getting the Medicine
IVF Consultation Part 7 : Payment

First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 3) : The Consultation with with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo- Kuang

2012-08-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

continued from... First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 2) : Medical History Interview

After a quick lunch, we returned to Mackay Memorial Hospital’s Second Floor where Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang holds clinic. A list of the day’s patients’ names is posted outside his door so you will know more or less when your turn is going to be. I was called in after more than an hour wait. My companion has to stay outside first.

Inside the clinic of Dr. Lee I was met by Ms. Tsai again. She asked me some more questions regarding my previous workup like which medicines have I used. She showed me a board containing all the medicines being used in pregnancy workup. I tried to point, as far as I can remember, the medicines I have used.

Again, I have to wait for a couple of patients to finish their consultation before it was my turn with Dr. Lee. My mom was called in then. Ms. Tsai gave Dr. Lee her notes on my earlier interview. She also handed Dr. Lee the film of my HSG and Dr. Lee examined it.

Dr. Lee speaks fluent English hence uses the language during our discussion.

Dr. Lee explained that since I have had a successful IVF pregnancy before, it would likely be easy for me to get pregnant again. However due to my age, which was 40, he will be doing Assisted Hatching (AH). He slightly explained in layman’s term what Assisted Hatching is. As explained, this procedure involves the opening of the embryo’s shell by making the outer layer crooked. This helps implantation of the embryos into the uterus thus increasing the chances of successful IVF.

Dr. Lee asked me to take the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test, which is a blood test to determine ovarian follicle reserve. By the way, it takes 2 weeks to get the result of AMH hence you will receive an email from Ms.Vanessa Lin on your result via email. Aside from this, Dr. Lee also requested me to have an ultrasound of my uterus and ovary.

I went to the Ultrasound Room located at the same area at the far end of the Doctors’ Clinics Section. There was no queue hence it was immediately my turn. After the procedure, I was asked to wait outside for the result. In a few minutes I was handed the result. I went back to Dr. Lee’s clinic, handed it to her nurse and waited outside to be called again.

When I returned to Dr. Lee’s clinic, I was asked to lie down, as Dr. Lee needs to do basic examination. He also measured, at the same time, how deep my uterus is from my vagina. This measurement will be used as his guide during embryo transfer.

Pending my AMH result, he explained that I would likely follow protocol 3. Well, he was almost sure, as he didn’t give me any other instruction in case my AMH is not less than 1.5 ng/mL.

Dr. Lee instructed me to start taking birth control pills on the 5^th day of the cycle before actual IVF month for 21 days. He asked if I want to take the medicine home or to just purchase it in Manila. I said it is all right to take it from their pharmacy thus prescribed to me Gynera. My next cycle's period should come one or two days after the last pill. With this, I can book my flight to Taiwan a month before the IVF cycle. Dr. Lee also gave me an idea more or less when my husband should be there on the IVF cycle. Hubby also needs to do semen analysis before the actual IVF procedure.

To be continued… First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 4) : Activities after the Consultation

To read more about the consultation, you may refer to this blog by Deborah : IVF Consultation Part 2 : Consultation with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang

KT Star Service Apartment

2012-08-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

KT Star is located at Nong An St. (農安街) (B) a kilometer away from the hospital. Although you can take the bus at NT$15, the ride will be too short so it is better to just walk. The building is very accessible to the food street Shuang Cheng St. (雙城街) (D). Please refer to the map below to see where the location of KT Star is from Mackay Memorial Hospital.

Mackay Memorial Hospital Vicinity Map

We met with an agent and he showed us the different room sizes such as 16 ping, 25 ping and 35 ping. Ping is equivalent to a square foot. All rooms has a small kitchen and has a washing machine with dryer. Kitchen appliances and utensils such as refrigerator, electric kettle, pots and pans are provided.

KT Star is accredited by Mackay Memorial Hospital hence they give special rates to patients of Mackay. Also, rates given are for minimum stay of 21 days exclusive of water and electricity bill. Do not worry about the cost of the utilities as it is far cheaper than in Manila. The building is relatively new, from the lobby to the rooms they all look new, modern and nicely interior designed. All rooms including the lobby has wifi internet access 24/7!

16 ping is a studio unit with 1 bathroom. This costs NT$1,100/day. The room that was showed to us is the same room I stayed in when I went back.

25 ping is a 2 bedroom unit with 1 bathroom. The bedrooms are one big and one small with a queen size bed and a single bed respectively. This unit costs NT$2,200/day, double that of a 16 ping.

35 ping is a 2 bedroom unit also with 1 bathroom. The difference with a 25 ping unit is that the rooms are 2 big rooms that has a queen size bed in each room. The unit costs NT$2,600/day.

For a month's stay you are entitled to free room clean up of up to four (4) times, hence you divide the number of days you are staying by five (5) so your room gets cleaned up every six (6) days. Clean up includes cleaning of floor, changing sheets, refill of body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste. In between the 6 days general cleaning, you may clean the room on your own, you need not buy cleaning materials as you can ask the admin for broom and dust pan.

There are common areas that you and your staying in companion can use for free such as the swimming pool at the roof deck and gym. There is a videoke room for rent.

It is a very pleasant place to stay. Feels like a hotel yet feels like a home or it is like a home in a hotel.

First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 2) : Medical History Interview

2012-07-29T08:26:00.003-07:00

continued from... First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 1) : Arrival at Taiwan

On our second day, February 16, Wednesday, we went to the 6/F of Mackay Memorial Hospital where the IVF Lab is. There, Ms. Tsai, the assistant of Dr. Lee met us for medical history interview. Most people in the lab speak English so it is very convenient for overseas patients to communicate with them. I told them that I can speak Mandarin, I see a sign of relief from them, at least they need not have a hard time speaking to me as we can mix English and Mandarin in our conversation.

I gave her all the test results that Ms. Vanessa Lin asked me to bring such as:

1. My TSH, Prolactin, Human Immunodeficient Virus (HIV) and Syphilis test results, which I had just before I left for this trip

2. Husband’s Semen Analysis, HIV and Syphilis test results, which were also done just before I left for Taiwan

3. Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) Film

4. My passport and driver’s license (bring original) and husband’s photocopy of passport and driver’s license

5. Marriage certificate (NSO copy) – this is very important to get enrolled in their IVF program

6. Previous IVF and IUI work up history

7. Laparoscopy report when I had an ectopic pregnancy in 2008

While Ms. Tsai is reviewing the documents, she interviews me. She jotted down all the littlest details she could squeeze out from me. The interview was long, I felt like its taking forever since I had to answer so many questions, good thing I can still remember most of the things she asked me about.

After the interview, we went to have our lunch in a nearby restaurant, as we need to go back for my first consultation with Dr. Lee at 1pm.

To be continued… First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 3) : The Consultation with Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang

First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 1) : Arrival at Taiwan

2012-07-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

We arrived Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (桃園機場) on February 15, 2011 at around 10:00 am. We took the CitiAir Bus (大有巴士) to Bailee Hotel (百利飯店). Adult fare is NT$90 while senior and child fare is NT$45.

You may refer to this map for directions I will be describing here. Print out the map for your reference, I'm sure you will find this very useful.

Mackay Memorial Hospital Vicinity Map

The bus stop to get off is Ambassador Hotel (國賓飯店) (I) along Zhongshan North Road (中山北路). Actually the bus stop is not in the hotel itself, it is across the hotel but that's the name of the bus stop. The station before Ambassador Hotel is Tatung University (大同大學) (H). Mackay Memorial Hospital (A) is between Tatung University and Ambassador Hotel. When you see the hospital you get off at the next bus stop.

From the bus stop you need to walk back to the hospital and turn left at Jin Xi St. and look for Bailee Hotel (C).

After checking in, it was already lunchtime and we were starving. There are restaurants near the hotel. We chose to have shabu-shabu as the weather at that time was cold. An order of pre-set shabu-shabu meal costs between NT$100-120. Rice, cold or hot tea and ice cream are self service and unlimited.

After our first satisfying meal in Taiwan, we went to the hospital to check the place out. It is hard to get lost for our appointment the next day. I called Ms. Vanessa Lin and she met us at the ground floor. She toured us to the 6^th Floor where the IVF Lab is located, to the 2^nd floor where Dr. Robert Lee holds clinic, the G/F where the Injection Room, Blood Test Counter and Pharmacy are. These are the only locations you have to be familiarized with.

Since we have nothing on our agenda that day, we asked her where the service apartment, KT Star (基泰之星) is, we might as well visit the place. To know more about KT Star, please refer to my blog on KT Star Service Apartment.

To be continued…First Step to Taiwan IVF (Part 2) : Medical History Interview

Initial Taiwan IVF Inquiry

2012-07-01T06:15:00.001-07:00

The hospital where my cousin had her successful IVF is Mackay Memorial Hospital (馬偕紀念醫院) and the doctor’s name is Dr. Robert Lee Kuo-Kuang (李國光). For initial inquiry you need to get in touch with their International Medical Service Center (馬偕醫院國際醫療中心). The email address is mmhimsc@ms2.mmh.org.tw and the contact person is Ms. Vanessa Lin.

When I emailed Ms. Lin, I gave her an overview of my infertility treatment history. My first inquiry was how to go about it, what historical data Dr. Lee needs and more or less how much would be the cost.

I received a reply with an attached standard letter and here are the lists of things they will need from you:

1. Reports on TSH, Prolactin, Semen Analysis, Human Immunodeficient Virus (HIV) and Syphilis tests done within the last 6 months.

2. X-ray films of Hysterosalpingogram (HSG), can be in picture file or in USB drive or CD, test must be done within the last 2 years.

3. Infertility treatment history including the dose of FSH or HMG and its response to your ovary, number of follicles and operation report

The first on the list can be done here in the Philippines at any laboratory. The second, which is the HSG film, is not easy for those who have not done this before. It will take sometime for you to request your local OB-Gyne to do this, however this is not impossible. As for me, fortunately I just had my third HSG 6 months ago, before we underwent our last IUI. Without my readily available HSG result, I would have been discouraged already (unless Dr. Lee can still evaluate me without HSG, which I didn’t try to find out since I have my recent HSG film anyway). The third requirement is easy, I just gathered all my past transvaginal ultrasound reports. Hmm…..everything seems to be easy for me…it’s a sign, things are falling into place J

The letter indicated the budget of roughly US$4,500 for the entire IVF procedure. Not so bad, as it is only about Php200,000 compared to the cost in Manila which I think would reach at least Php500,000.

I was asked to go to Taipei anytime to take the Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) test. This is a blood test to predict the ovarian follicle reserve. Other things needed are Marriage Certificate (NSO copy) as proof of marriage, original passports and driver’s license of both husband and wife. They are very strict with the Marriage Certificate before they can enroll you to their IVF Program.

Since it was easy for me to prepare all the requirements needed, I scheduled my flight to Taipei on February 15, Tuesday, accompanied by my mother. My husband did not come along this trip anymore since all his tests can be done in the Philippines.

My first consultation with Dr. Robert Lee was scheduled the next day, February 16, Wednesday. Dr. Robert Lee's clinic time is Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. You have to make sure that you check Dr. Lee’s clinic hours before booking your flight.

We requested Vanessa to book us in a hotel near the hospital, Bailee Hotel (百利飯店). This is where they usually book their patients as it is just walking distance to the hospital. Room rate is at NT$1,480/night for 2 staying-in guests. Vanessa offered transfers from the airport to the hotel but knowing we can get by by bus, I declined the offer.

What Triggered Me to Go to Taiwan for IVF?

2012-06-16T19:00:00.002-07:00

I am thinking which of my 2 IVF (In-Vitro Fertilization) experiences should I write about first. Since many are requesting and asking about IVF in Taiwan, I better start with my Taiwan experience.

After my successful IVF workup in the Philippines in 2005 and giving birth to my first child, I said to myself I would not do this whole thing again! Primarily because I prayed and asked the Lord to give me at least one baby and my wish was already granted. If I get pregnant again (hopefully the natural way), then it is an additional blessing. When we underwent the IVF procedure, I felt like it was our last resort and a desperate move to have a child, hence we will only be doing it once be it successful or not.

The second reason is that over the years of pregnancy workups, I have had lots of pregnancy shots to allow my body to produce more eggs. After which, follow up shots to control how big my follicles should grow and when is the right time to ovulate. These human interventions on how our natural body is supposed to work made us worry about side effects.

Third is, with our busy work schedule, it is difficult to allot time for workups. Everyone knows how it is waiting for your turn at the doctor’s clinic. Lastly, of course, is the cost it entails.

However, as a parent I cannot help but think about the future. When we are gone, who will be the closest relative my daughter can run to in case of emergencies? Who she can go to for support, for protection, for comfort? Because of this scary thought, every year as my birthday comes near, I get reminded that if we want to give our daughter a sibling, it is now or never as my body clock is ticking. Yearly, I end up doing IUI workup near my birthday.

On each failed IUI, I comfort myself that I have done enough throughout the years and maybe this is God’s will, for us to only have one child.

In January 2011, my sister persuaded me to try another IVF procedure in Taiwan. Since my cousin was going there for frozen embryo transfer (FET), why not go together? I was hesitant since I just had a failed IUI 6 months ago (July 2010). My husband and I have already decided that that was the end of our journey to be blessed with another child. I was already 40 years old and it is not exactly the perfect age anymore to be pregnant, not to mention all the reasons I indicated above. I was not willing to do IVF again, more so to do it in a foreign country.

However, the desire to give my daughter a companion inside me never died. My daughter, at that time, was also asking us for a baby girl. With this, I asked for the contact person in Taiwan (Taipei) and tried to send an inquiry through email. I have no intentions yet to pursue IVF again but anyhow will inquire. If everything falls into place, meaning the requirements needed by the Taiwan doctor is easy to supply and if it leads me to Taiwan then maybe I will or we will go for it.