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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Just wondering if I can get some advice. I've been at Cornell for 2 years and have been diagnosed as unexplained. DH and I are great on paper. Did IVF and got 6 blasts... 3 were implanted and BFN. So we have 3 frosties left.
The only thing Cornell doesn't test for are natural killer cells (both blood and uterine activated)...seems the only clinics that do this are Braverman and Sher.
If I were to go to Braverman or Sher Institute, can I just ask that they test me for the things that Cornell didn't test for? Has anyone done this? Or would DH and I have to repeat all the other tests (sperm analysis, HSG, etc)?
It feels weird to work with two different clinics. And not to mention, if I do get tested for these things and the results are negative, I'd probably opt to stay at Cornell...
TIA.
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Posted 4/17/16 4:28 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
There's nothing wrong with having what I call "a few doctors on the side". Especially when some write scripts for certain things while others do not.
Make a consult with SIRM and start there. They will not repeat any BW or procedures unless it's necessary.
But they most likely will test you for a lot.
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| Posted 4/17/16 5:16 PM |
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MrsB12614
LIF Adult
Member since 4/14 1986 total posts
Name:
Mrs
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WWYD (regarding second opinions)
I personally would seek out the second opinion. It's YOUR life, your care, your family. Keep in mind that doctors with Cornell were probably a second opinion at one point in time for someone else. I would call and send over your records so that can review and determine what additional tests they will do.
Message edited 7/24/2016 6:35:21 PM.
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| Posted 4/17/16 6:52 PM |
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WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Go! It is best you get the answers before you try again especially if you are really thinking it could be something more.
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| Posted 4/17/16 7:38 PM |
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WantBabyNbr2
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/12 676 total posts
Name:
Amy
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WWYD (regarding second opinions)
I went to SIRM and they only tested me for things I wasn't tested for before which I think was like 3 things. They just used all the other records for things I already done. That being said, I did 3 IVFs with them and got no blasts and was told I have a genetic defect and can't produce good eggs, so they weren't the answer for me, but they help a lot of women and accept insurance. I didn't believe I really had a genetic defect, so I moved on to Dr. B and had to pay a lot for testing, but I now have a lot more answers and 9 frozen blasts from 1 retrieval with them.
Unfortunately since everyone's case is different, sometimes you do have to play the field a little bit. Every doctor has different specialties and looks at things in a different way and has a different repertoire of drugs they use.
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| Posted 4/17/16 7:56 PM |
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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by WantBabyNbr2
I went to SIRM and they only tested me for things I wasn't tested for before which I think was like 3 things. They just used all the other records for things I already done. That being said, I did 3 IVFs with them and got no blasts and was told I have a genetic defect and can't produce good eggs, so they weren't the answer for me, but they help a lot of women and accept insurance. I didn't believe I really had a genetic defect, so I moved on to Dr. B and had to pay a lot for testing, but I now have a lot more answers and 9 frozen blasts from 1 retrieval with them.
Unfortunately since everyone's case is different, sometimes you do have to play the field a little bit. Every doctor has different specialties and looks at things in a different way and has a different repertoire of drugs they use.
Who did you see at SIRM? Also, did they accept your records from you, or did they have to call your RE?
I'd rather not have my RE know I'm going for a second opinion, if possible. Let's say SIRM's tests all come back negative, then I'd rather just have my next FET at Cornell (no need to transfer the embryos if my diagnosis is still unexplained). If SIRM finds something, then that's another story.
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| Posted 4/17/16 8:29 PM |
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babyfever24
LIF Adult
Member since 1/11 3340 total posts
Name:
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
If you have six blasts and they are not implanting there is definitely something more to look into......I would def consult with dr. T or anyone at SIRM for that matter....they're amazing.....
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| Posted 4/17/16 8:59 PM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Dr.T is my guy and I highly recommend him. I brought him my records and that was fine, although my original RE also knew I was going for other opinions.
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| Posted 4/17/16 9:16 PM |
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WantBabyNbr2
LIF Adolescent
Member since 8/12 676 total posts
Name:
Amy
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by Joann
Posted by WantBabyNbr2
I went to SIRM and they only tested me for things I wasn't tested for before which I think was like 3 things. They just used all the other records for things I already done. That being said, I did 3 IVFs with them and got no blasts and was told I have a genetic defect and can't produce good eggs, so they weren't the answer for me, but they help a lot of women and accept insurance. I didn't believe I really had a genetic defect, so I moved on to Dr. B and had to pay a lot for testing, but I now have a lot more answers and 9 frozen blasts from 1 retrieval with them.
Unfortunately since everyone's case is different, sometimes you do have to play the field a little bit. Every doctor has different specialties and looks at things in a different way and has a different repertoire of drugs they use.
Who did you see at SIRM? Also, did they accept your records from you, or did they have to call your RE?
I'd rather not have my RE know I'm going for a second opinion, if possible. Let's say SIRM's tests all come back negative, then I'd rather just have my next FET at Cornell (no need to transfer the embryos if my diagnosis is still unexplained). If SIRM finds something, then that's another story.
I saw Dr T (tortoriello). I got my records myself from LIIVF and just brought them with me to my consult and SIRM made a copy for their file. Honestly, we stress about "cheating" on doctors, but I don't think your current practice will blink an eye if you ask for a copy of your records. You could just tell them you want to keep a binder to keep track of everything yourself.
Good Luck!
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| Posted 4/17/16 9:46 PM |
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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Thanks everyone. I wasn't sure if you could go for a second opinion and then go back to your original RE. I also wasn't sure if it was odd to go to SIRM and just ask for the immunology tests without doing all the other basics again. Good to know! I'm going to try to call SIRM tomorrow.
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| Posted 4/17/16 10:23 PM |
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Hope2009
Thankful
Member since 1/09 4429 total posts
Name:
A
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WWYD (regarding second opinions)
I agree with the above opinions. After my first FET did not work. I did a work up with SIRM. They tested for all the immune issues that my dr did not test for. I wanted to gave the best shot possible when doing my second FET. It can't hurt knowing everything you possibly can before proceeding further.
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| Posted 4/18/16 7:23 AM |
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PennyCat
Just call me mommy :)
Member since 7/08 19084 total posts
Name:
Jib
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by Joann
Thanks everyone. I wasn't sure if you could go for a second opinion and then go back to your original RE. I also wasn't sure if it was odd to go to SIRM and just ask for the immunology tests without doing all the other basics again. Good to know! I'm going to try to call SIRM tomorrow.
What it comes down to is, it's a business. Of course you can go back to your originally RE. They will never refuse your money. Hate to think of it in those terms but that's what it comes down to..... And for as much as its business, you're a paying customer. If they're not providing you with what you're looking for, owe it to yourself to shop around. Ultimately you need to do what's best for your family.
Just so you're not surprised, it typically takes about 2 months to set up an initial appt. I'll actually be seeing Dr. T later today.
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| Posted 4/18/16 7:37 AM |
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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by PennyCat
Posted by Joann
Thanks everyone. I wasn't sure if you could go for a second opinion and then go back to your original RE. I also wasn't sure if it was odd to go to SIRM and just ask for the immunology tests without doing all the other basics again. Good to know! I'm going to try to call SIRM tomorrow.
What it comes down to is, it's a business. Of course you can go back to your originally RE. They will never refuse your money. Hate to think of it in those terms but that's what it comes down to..... And for as much as its business, you're a paying customer. If they're not providing you with what you're looking for, owe it to yourself to shop around. Ultimately you need to do what's best for your family.
Just so you're not surprised, it typically takes about 2 months to set up an initial appt. I'll actually be seeing Dr. T later today.
Wow, do all the SIRM doctors have that sort of wait? I haven't heard much about the other two doctors though.
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| Posted 4/18/16 9:18 AM |
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Lillies
Grateful for my babies!
Member since 2/12 4571 total posts
Name:
<3
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
SIRM and Braverman both test for these things and think out of the box for complex IF situations. I know SIRM will first want an initial consult and then you can discuss your concerns and what tests you want done. We had the results emailed to us so we didn't set up another consult until we were ready to start treatment. Very convenient over there.
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| Posted 4/18/16 11:32 AM |
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NicoleF219
LIF Infant
Member since 5/12 232 total posts
Name:
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by Joann
Posted by PennyCat
Posted by Joann
Thanks everyone. I wasn't sure if you could go for a second opinion and then go back to your original RE. I also wasn't sure if it was odd to go to SIRM and just ask for the immunology tests without doing all the other basics again. Good to know! I'm going to try to call SIRM tomorrow.
What it comes down to is, it's a business. Of course you can go back to your originally RE. They will never refuse your money. Hate to think of it in those terms but that's what it comes down to..... And for as much as its business, you're a paying customer. If they're not providing you with what you're looking for, owe it to yourself to shop around. Ultimately you need to do what's best for your family.
Just so you're not surprised, it typically takes about 2 months to set up an initial appt. I'll actually be seeing Dr. T later today.
Wow, do all the SIRM doctors have that sort of wait? I haven't heard much about the other two doctors though.
Last year around this time it took me nearly 2 1/2 months to get an appointment with Dr. T. In the time that I was waiting I did an IUI at my RE that I had been seeing and had just gotten a positive test the week before my appointment with him. I went to that appointment anyway because I had early losses in the past and didn't want to wait so long in case something happened. Turns out I didn't need his help but he did tell me about additional tests he would have run on me. I would call now if you want to see him soon.
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| Posted 4/18/16 12:10 PM |
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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by NicoleF219
Posted by Joann
Posted by PennyCat
Posted by Joann
Thanks everyone. I wasn't sure if you could go for a second opinion and then go back to your original RE. I also wasn't sure if it was odd to go to SIRM and just ask for the immunology tests without doing all the other basics again. Good to know! I'm going to try to call SIRM tomorrow.
What it comes down to is, it's a business. Of course you can go back to your originally RE. They will never refuse your money. Hate to think of it in those terms but that's what it comes down to..... And for as much as its business, you're a paying customer. If they're not providing you with what you're looking for, owe it to yourself to shop around. Ultimately you need to do what's best for your family.
Just so you're not surprised, it typically takes about 2 months to set up an initial appt. I'll actually be seeing Dr. T later today.
Wow, do all the SIRM doctors have that sort of wait? I haven't heard much about the other two doctors though.
Last year around this time it took me nearly 2 1/2 months to get an appointment with Dr. T. In the time that I was waiting I did an IUI at my RE that I had been seeing and had just gotten a positive test the week before my appointment with him. I went to that appointment anyway because I had early losses in the past and didn't want to wait so long in case something happened. Turns out I didn't need his help but he did tell me about additional tests he would have run on me. I would call now if you want to see him soon.
OK Dr. T has no availability until beginning of June. I made an appointment with Dr. Dicken for next week.
I may go alone. I hope that's ok with SIRM. I know our whole fertility struggle by heart and the only thing DH would contribute would be blood and sperm but we already did that at Cornell.
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| Posted 4/18/16 12:44 PM |
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MrsRo10408
LIF Infant
Member since 2/10 59 total posts
Name:
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by Joann
Just wondering if I can get some advice. I've been at Cornell for 2 years and have been diagnosed as unexplained. DH and I are great on paper. Did IVF and got 6 blasts... 3 were implanted and BFN. So we have 3 frosties left.
The only thing Cornell doesn't test for are natural killer cells (both blood and uterine activated)...seems the only clinics that do this are Braverman and Sher.
If I were to go to Braverman or Sher Institute, can I just ask that they test me for the things that Cornell didn't test for? Has anyone done this? Or would DH and I have to repeat all the other tests (sperm analysis, HSG, etc)?
It feels weird to work with two different clinics. And not to mention, if I do get tested for these things and the results are negative, I'd probably opt to stay at Cornell...
TIA.
I was just looking into this myself and felt unsure about a 2nd opinion. We're fortunate to have a DD. We just went back to LIIVF and the dr pretty much said we have a fertilization issue and ICSI is our soultion. Everything on paper says we should have no problem gettingg pregnant naturally. My DH is having a hard time accepting the "unexplained" diagnosis. I'm curious to see how you make out. Good luck to you!
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| Posted 4/18/16 2:41 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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WWYD (regarding second opinions)
I went to another RE who didn't believe in immne issues. We were unexplained. I had multiple failed procedures. I switched to Dr. T at SIRM and had immune bw done. An issue was found. I was successful on my first cycle there. I wish I would of went sooner. I brought copies of my records. I went alone and that was fine.
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| Posted 4/18/16 9:19 PM |
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Joann
LIF Infant
Member since 9/12 360 total posts
Name:
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by babydreams21
I went to another RE who didn't believe in immne issues. We were unexplained. I had multiple failed procedures. I switched to Dr. T at SIRM and had immune bw done. An issue was found. I was successful on my first cycle there. I wish I would of went sooner. I brought copies of my records. I went alone and that was fine.
Thanks for the info. Since Dr. T is booked until June, I made an appt with Dr. Dicken. I am hoping that all the doctors at SIRM believe in immune testing. I would think they do since Dr. Sher's blog includes so many references to natural killer cells, dq alpha matches, etc. Would be strange if the doctors at his own clinic don't practice what he believes in..
Message edited 4/18/2016 11:07:31 PM.
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| Posted 4/18/16 11:05 PM |
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babydreams21
LIF Adult
Member since 12/12 3656 total posts
Name:
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Re: WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Posted by Joann
Posted by babydreams21
I went to another RE who didn't believe in immne issues. We were unexplained. I had multiple failed procedures. I switched to Dr. T at SIRM and had immune bw done. An issue was found. I was successful on my first cycle there. I wish I would of went sooner. I brought copies of my records. I went alone and that was fine.
Thanks for the info. Since Dr. T is booked until June, I made an appt with Dr. Dicken. I am hoping that all the doctors at SIRM believe in immune testing. I would think they do since Dr. Sher's blog includes so many references to natural killer cells, dq alpha matches, etc. Would be strange if the doctors at his own clinic don't practice what he believes in..
Yes,I would assume they are all on a similar page. Best of luck!
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| Posted 4/19/16 9:53 PM |
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MrsB612
LIF Adolescent
Member since 12/12 784 total posts
Name:
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WWYD (regarding second opinions)
Another Dr. T fan here. He tested us at our first consult then emailed me results when they came in which was a few weeks later. Like PP suggested, I would def do it just to make sure you've dotted all your i's and crossed all your t's. Good luck!
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| Posted 4/20/16 3:08 PM |
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