[Rachel38]

Hi Ladies. I have been on this site for a few years, mostly on the IVF thread. This has been a roller coaster for us. A ride full of ups, downs, turns and dips. I almost gave up, but recently decided to try one more thing.

I have not been happy with our clinic in Columbus and I so wish I had researched them from the get go. No one ever answers the phone and the doctor never speaks to you over the phone. If you have one question to ask you have to pay 125 bucks for an appointment...it is insane. They blamed our infertility on male factor from the beginning and despite my concerns about myself, they kept telling me I was fine. We did IVF last February and I was told I only made 3 eggs. I was shocked, after all of those shots to be told I only made the same amount I made on clomid was upsetting. They lost one in retrieval and transferred two they said were absolutely perfect. We had a BFP, but lost our angel a few weeks later. I asked them to check my eggs and my Doctor insisted there was no reason to. She said i just had a low response, it happens. Next cycle I had a dominant egg...I asked them again to check me, they said ALL OF A SUDDEN I had become a poor responder and had low ovarian reserve. I did research and came back to them and asked to do an estrogen priming protocol. They said they did not like that protocol, but they tried something else. After 4000 dollars in meds, (Paid out of pocket) I began a cycle only to hear that I had 4 nice eggs appearing. I was super happy. On Monday when I went back they said they saw only one...

How can these things just POP up? I asked and got the brush off, not from one, but two doctors and two nurses. Every time we asked more questions, the more negative they had become. My own doctor could not remember how old I was with each visit and always shook her head in disgust when she re-read our results or discussed our chart with us. She went from saying "We may need to use donor sperm"...to one year later "We need to use donor eggs." the only thing they were certain of, was the fact we were dropping their success ratio, as it seems they only helped young women. I state this by reading on the web how many women over 35 had to go elsewhere for help.

My best friend who lives in Baltimore told me about a clinic there that is world renowned for helping older patients. She had spoken to her doctor about me and he said he would be happy to simply speak to me via the phone...for free. My friend had told me she was ecstatic with the care, concern, prompt responses. Maybe they could help. I called THE DOCTOR, and he got on the phone and spoke to me as soon as I called. (Thankfully he was not in with a patient) He told me it sounded as if we have had a tough time and that we had become a "number". They offer a program for 25,000 that gives 6 donor transfers and a guarantee that is based on DELIVERY OF BABY. I then called seven other clinics in Ohio and around the U.S. and realized no one else offered this.

My husband and I did not have to think very hard about this. When I called back to see when they could meet me...someone answered the phone, was kind, asked me if I had a place to stay when visiting etc., did we need any help with anything else...wow! (Thankfully my best friend lives there and she will be a big part of my support system, as well as provide me with a place to stay as I move ahead) We will be meeting them in a couple weeks. Please send me good wishes and positive results from donor eggs! I am actually excited again and hoping for a soon. Love and God Bless to all.

[jdtx65]

Hi Rachel – I am currently in a DE cycle. This will be our first attempt so I am not really sure what will happen but our fingers are crossed. The road here was not easy but it seems like you have had several bumps along the way as well. It sounds like you have found a clinic that will work much better for you. Good luck with your DE cycle and I will for you.

[malloned10]

Rachel,

I am so sorry to hear about everything you have been through! I just can't imagine calling my RE's office and no one answering the phone! That is just crazy!!! I definately think you did the right thing by opting to go elsewhere! The shared risk option is always a good thing, at least you will have some piece of mind while you cycle. Thank goodness for your friend in Baltimore! I am originally from Baltimore but now live in PA - I still make the drive and am cycling out of MD also.

Good luck to you. You really should pop on over to the IVF with DE thread - they are an amazing group of ladies and guys! Very supportive and if you have a question, someone will always have an answer or at least point you in the right direction!

[LGB]

Welcome Rachel!

I am so sorry for everything you went thru with your last clinic but so glad that you found your new one! I've heard of them before and that shared risk program and it sounds like a great plan. I am doing shared risk too, a great security.

Feel free to ask any questions anytime, we're all always here!

~LGB

[Godiva4me]

Welcome aboard, Rachel! Malloned, LGB, and myself all participate in the DE IVF thread.... why not come on over, if not now, once you have your consult in MD! It is such a supportive, fantastic group of people over there! Please do join us over there! Best of luck for a fresh start with a caring, competent doctor!

[sunshine7482]

Rachel, I live in Maryland and I am currently in DE program with Shady Grove -- is that the clinic your friend recommended?

We're currently waiting for our donor to get her period (expected 5/14), and then we will get a detailed calendar of drugs and appointments. We expect to have transfer end of June.

When you come to Maryland, we can meet somewhere for coffee.

[Rachel38]

I will send you a private message....

[marilynn]

Rachel,
I'm sorry that your journey has been hard. The frustration of unsuccessful procedures/attempts is just so incredibly tough, but it sounds like you are in a really good program now. I like your conviction about your choice and you sound really positive and strong.

We just decided to do IVF donor route recently and are going to go with our regular RE, but I would like to here more about this program if possible.

Best wishes...