anyone go to ECF

I read through the RE post, but didn't see anyone who goes there.
I was just curious, I have been seeing them for over a year now with now success and thinking about a change.

Re: anyone go to ECF

I am basically just a lurker here. But I saw your post and felt inclined to answer. From what I have read, ECF doesn't get much mention on this board and I feel it deserves props...based on my experience of course.

I am an ECF success story. I was originally a patient of RSofNY and well, lets just say that my experience there was not a good one. I then decided to go to ECF partially because of recommendation by my obgyn and partially because of proximity to my home.

Before ECF I did countless IUI's (natural, clomid, and injectibles) and one IVF that was an initial success but ended in an ectopic...long story but it was a nightmare. And the poor care I received through it all just made matters worse.

I went to ECF and immediately felt comfortable in the care of Dr. Zapantis. He is, without a doubt, the best and most compassionate dr i have ever encountered...a sweet and approachable person. We had one failed IUI with him then then we did IVF w/ICSI. It resulted in my beautiful son who is turning one next week.

We recently went back to see Dr. Z to start the ball rolling for #2. I was reminded of how lucky i am to have him as my doc. I know that whatever happens with this cycle, I am in great hands.

This is just my opinion...and everyone's experience and situation is different. I wish you the best!

Re: anyone go to ECF

My advice is if you are thinking of a change you should schedule consults elsewhere and see how that goes...and then make your decision

As for ECF, I was not happy with my care there...and know a few others who were not happy as well...On the other hand, there are a few girls that were very happy and have the babes to prove it

I think it really depends on your issue....

Re: anyone go to ECF

I don't have info about ECF but I will agree with Lisa that it's a good idea to get some other consults.

I know many ladies here have had a completely different experience in some other places and are happy they looked around.

It's worth taking a look if you are having second thoughts.

Re: anyone go to ECF

I would definetely make some appointments for consults at other REs. Are you happy with your doctor?

Re: anyone go to ECF

My friend went there and got pregnant at 44, a few months before turning 45 with her own eggs. I made an appointment to go there when I first wanted to see an RE, but never got a straight answer whether they took my insurance or not, so I went elsewhere.

Like others said, if you are unsure, at least consult elsewhere and see what another doctor has to offer.

Good luck!

Re: anyone go to ECF

Also not sure if you saw the related topics below

Re: anyone go to ECF

I see Dr Styne at ECF and I really like them. They open at 6am for monitoring which is very convenient for those that have to make it to work.

I can't say too much b/c we will not be starting meds until April. I am currently taking metformin for insulin resistance but will do clomid/IUI.

They have an email policy similar to SIRM which has been so invaluable! I email my dr with any non-urgent questions and she is very good about getting back to me!

I am familiar with Dr Z - met him briefly and he was very friendly.

Re: anyone go to ECF

I went there a few years ago and did an IUI (which was pointless since my FSH was 12). Anyway, I wasn't happy with various aspects and left for greener pastures. (<--- Results in my avatar.)

Getting a second and even thrid opinion can never hurt.

Good luck.

Re: anyone go to ECF

ECF made ALL OF OUR DREAMS COME TRUE! Look at my BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER'S PICTURE!

We had male factor infertility. Went to ECF, (I used Dr. Pena) and with our first IVF with ICSI we transferred back two and had a singleton! We were beyond thrilled. I can almost cry posting this thinking how thankful I am to all of them!

Good Luck in your choice!

Re: anyone go to ECF

I went to ECF ast April and did 1 IUI that did not work and then did an IVF cycle that resulted in my beautiful twin boys that were born last Friday!!

Message edited 2/22/2009 12:02:05 AM.

Re: anyone go to ECF

I went there and saw Dr Z after three failed cycles somewhere else. Cycle #1 with ECF worked...26 weeks pregnant with a boy now! While I feel the office was a bit of a factory, Dr Z was amazing!

Re: anyone go to ECF

I guess I should say that I really don't have any major complaints with ECF - other than the fact that I have had 4 IUI's and 1 IVF that all failed (and my frozen embryos died before my FET).

I would like to try another IVF cycle starting in April, but I'm afraid that with my schedule I won't be able to get a consult and apporval before then.

I'm just lost and wanted some opinions. Thanks.

Re: anyone go to ECF

I went for my first appointment and never went back. I was humiliated and laughed at. SO uncool.

ETA: Found my original post about them.



Have you been going to East Coast? Or will this be your first time?

DH and I went to East Coast first because I heard good things about them, and they were very conveniently located. I went once- and never went back. I saw Dr. Pena, and I was never made to feel like such an idiot in my life. He was rude, condascending and embarrassed me in front of other staff and patients. He literally laughed at me when I told him I was taking baby asprin vitamins b-6 and b-12, and made me feel like a jerk because DH and I were TTC way before we got married because I knew it was going to be difficult. I went to see him about 5 months before our wedding. DH and I were so uncomfortable there. Dr. Pena was also in a rush to do IUI's without treating my PCOS in anyway, or doing any other diagnostic testing to figure out why I had a miscarriage before.

I never saw the other doctor there, so I can't tell you anything about him.

*If you have gone there and like it, please ignore this. I just wanted to give you an opinion from someone who has seen 9 billion doctors.*

Good Luck!

Message edited 2/23/2009 12:40:18 PM.

Re: anyone go to ECF

I will always say that you have to go by how YOU feel.
Each person is going to post their own personal opinion. Those who have had success will love a place and those who had to move in will hate it.
If you are feeling dissatisfied - CONSULT WITH OTHER RE's!!!
Find someone you feel comfortable with and you feel is listening and addressing your concerns. It will make all the difference in the world.