Switching docs and IF issues (tmi)

[dana2006]

This is going to be a bit long winded but bear with me. I asked my ob/gyn for a referral to an IF specialist a couple of months ago. She wrote down doctor A at practice X, and then started to mention that there's another doctor there, B, but checked herself and told me to just stick with doctor A.

I made an appointment with A. The staff at the practice confirmed it was with A. When H and I showed up for our inital consult we were told it was with B. ^o) I don't know how the mix-up happened, but they were apologetic. Also, A was booked for a much longer period than B, and H didn't want to waste an appointment, so we went ahead with it. B turned out to be a nice, older gentleman.

All of our tests came back normal, except they found a large fibroid in my uterine cavity. B was equivocal about whether this was the reason for our IF. He scheduled me for a mock embryo transfer, a standard procedure to check out the layout of my uterus. It was unsuccessful after two tries, and he never explained what the problem was. I was left baffled as to what happened. He told me to reschedule it, which took place during the week of Christmas and due to staff shortages, I had it done at a different branch office by a third doctor, who was successful. I also had the worst, dibilitating cramps afterwards, but that's another issue.

Anyway, I had spotting for a week and finally a full on period (last one was two weeks ago). So I called my nurse and was told to come in for an ultrasound. As luck would have it, doctor A presided over the ultrasound. A is young and professional. On the office website he also has more enthusiastic testimonials than B. By now I'm getting the impression that I may need to deal with the fibroid surgically. Doctor A mentioned that he's done fibroid research for 5 yrs, but he deferred any further recommendations to doctor B.

I asked the front desk staff whether A or B had more expertise with fibroids. She was diplomatic: B has been with the practice a lot longer, but A is younger and maybe more familiar with the latest research. I made the decision then and there to switch doctors, cancelled my next appointment with B and scheduled with A.

*crossing fingers that there won't be any fallout from this switch.*

[ECB]

If there is "fallout", then maybe it's not the right practice for you. They seem to be more concerned about not stepping on Dr. B's toes, where as Dr. A may be the better choice for you. This is YOUR fertility and YOUR future. This is YOUR choice. not theirs.

[rageragerage]

You should go with the one you are more interested in working with. I found it really important to have a connection to my RE, and wanted somebody who was interested in new techniques.

GL!

[peachykate]

I agree that you did the right thing! I am sure they would rather have you with A than leaving the clinic all together and seeing someone else.

What was the reason for the mock transfer, are you going straight to IVF?

Good luck!

[PinkSquirrel]

I've switched doctors within a Specialist's office before and can't imagine why there would be any fallout.

[dana2006]

Thanks guys. I'm seeing doctor A in 2 wks and should get some clarities about how to proceed.

Peachy, I wasn't exactly sure, but the nurse said the mock transfer was in preparation for IUIs. That's another reason for my switch--I felt doctor B was not very good with explanations.

[winston]

I think you made a great decision. You need to be with who you feel more comfortable with. We have five REs at my clinic and it's not uncommon for people to switch to another if they feel a better vibe or just want to 'start fresh' without having to change clinics.

Good luck!! I hope that this will be what gets you on the right path.

[discogranny]

I have found that you absolutely have to feel comfortable with your IF specialist. If you are out of pocket you will be paying them large amounts of money and by nature the IF stuff is very emotional.

I think you made the right decision and even if Dr. B gets testy about it, you will likely never hear about it. Good luck with your journey, I hope it's a short one!