I need to say this now

Before it's too late, before my ever growing bitterness becomes infinite: I am glad we changed clinics.

Cornell ran my stims completely differently (different drugs, tapering down instead of ramping up, far fewer days). They got good fertilization for the few mature eggs they managed to get (100%, vs. 25% for the 2nd cycle at my old clinic). The cell counts at 3 days were much better; co-culture, perhaps? Or just a different lab? They didn't ultrasound-guide the transfer, removing a giant source of unnecessary stress (my cervix is easy, folks, and my bladder is the size of a walnut, and I got my very first UTI when I was catheterized after my first transfer at the old clinic). The lower PIO dose is freaky, but my butt hurts a lot less.

And, the staff were consistently professional and encouraging. I admit that I was worried about some of the cattle-call stuff I'd read about. But, when the crowds were big, I remembered that I was there precisely because they're a huge clinic, and that you always always always want to be treated by people who do nothing but take care of your kind of problem, all day long, every day, for years and years and years.

If we had cycled at our local clinic again, and failed there again, I would have had doubts that I don't think I'll have after changing. (Of course, I'd have another $8000 or so, too.) (And, of course, there are still plenty of other doubts left over for me to enjoy.)

I'm certainly not claiming that Cornell will always be the best for everybody. But IVF is still an art more than a science, and going someplace different will get you a different treatment philosophy. Whether it's more or less suited to your peculiar biology, well, who can ever know? But it's something I needed to do.

Comments

[getupgrrl]

I'm so sorry, my friend.

Let me know if there's anything I can do.

[Emma Jane]

Whoops! Sorry; my verbs tenses did get clotted up there. So far I've just been stabbed for luteal bloodwork; the day for my anticipated post-beta infinite bitterness is Monday.

[getupgrrl]

Well, hell, woman! Why didn't you say so?

I now formally retract all prior condolences.

[Bella]

I totally agree. We need Dr. Schlegel for surgery every time. When we first met with him we felt like we had been in a cave for our first four cycles. He is years ahead of his colleagues for male surgery. And the rest of it? While personally I am more ignored, those calling the shots are the best. I'm glad you said this now, but I do hope you'll be even happier on Monday!

[Cecily]

I will keep all my bits crossed for you this weekend. I'm glad you felt like you had a better experience. Yeah!

[Brooklyn Girl]

Wishing good things for you, my friend.

[The Barrenness]

A consistently professional and encouraging staff? That's virtually unheard of in the RE business. Where can I sign up?

[Morgan]

Information in this site is aimed toward foreigners on the Internet and expatriates in Thailand, having the loved ones visiting the areas during the disaster, to get the information about their friends, relatives or colleagues. For Thai nationals, we recommend that you start at the Government official website website and jump from there.