How Far for IVF?

tgrbelle

All the IVF and soon to be IVF ladies - how far do you or will you drive for the RE managing your IVF cycle?  If you drive more than 30 minutes, why?  If you have to drive far, how stressful is it to make the "trip" every day during monitoring?

Here's my dilemma - There are only 2 REs in town - one I used for my failed IVF and the other I don't really trust.  I'm not 100% sold on using my current RE for IVF #2 because I can't seem to get a consistent diagnosis from her & her office staff is (imho) lacking customer service skills. 

So I'm getting a 2nd opinion from a RE that came highly recommended & who is also about an hour & a half away.  DH thinks it's crazy to drive that far for IVF considering all the monitoring required.  He thinks a 3 hour drive every day would be more stressful than dealing with a lackluster office.  I don't think it will be that bad considering I used to travel for work frequently and be gone for weeks at a time and it wasn't that bad.  Am I underestimating myself?

kmslwsmrs

I drive 25-30 minutes each way for my RE....only because they were the only ones who take my insurance.  For ET/ER I have to drive an hour each way....it definately sucks but, I don't really have a choice.  It's a little hard getting to work in the am (when I actually had a job!) because I had to allot about 2 hours before work to do it, since there aren't appointments and I was always afraid there was going to be an hour wait for the test....but, what can you do?

nikinikinine

our RE is about 20 minutes away from our house/my work.

*jenjen*

My RE is actually really close, but my opinion is that it is totally worth the drive if you feel more comfortable and that you'll get better care there.  I did my first 2 IVF cycles at a clinic that was recommended, but not my first choice because they took my insurance (which only covered pre-ivf stuff, and saved us thousands of dollars).  I never liked the clinic or the drs, but stuck with it.  Those cycles didnt work, so for this current cycle, I switched to the original clinic that I wanted to use and am so much happier...everything is going better and i regret that i didnt go here originally.  Moral of my story...dont skimp, it's worth it  It'll be a lot of driving, but in the grand scheme of things, it's only for a few weeks.  Good luck!

MBandBud

I drive 1:45 to my RE.  He was the one recommended and I believe any others would be the same distance.  While the ride is long if this works it will all be worth it.  I start stimming tomorrow so I plan to get some books on tape for the ride.  My RE is in a great clinic and I wouldn't give that up for anything.  I would say go with your gut.  Truly it is only a few weeks and not like you are taking a new job.  I also use the time to catch up with friends and family.  GL!!

krissyh21

I was originally at a clinic that was about 15 minutes away from me, they were not getting me pregnant and searched out a second opinion to a clinic that was 45 minutes away. The additional time spent driving was way less stressful because I felt this clinic had the best chance of me getting pregnant, and they did. Well worth waking up way early in the morning for!

JackieMac824

In traffic my RE is about an hour away - which is going to make it difficult when it comes to monitoring appointment for IVF and work - but I trust him and like him so it is worth it to me.  I could of gone to an RE that is closer and cheaper but I feel like you get what you pay for. 

tgrbelle

You guys have confirmed exactly what I was thinking - go where you are comfortable despite the distance.  Even if the new RE gives us the same diagnosis & prognosis as our current RE, I think how comfortable I am with the office staff is worth considering.  DH says I'm a "high maintenance patient", so maybe the new RE's office can deal with my kind easier than the current staff.  We'll see....

Imanurse03

We now drive 45 minutes one way to our RE (if traffic is ok).  We were driving 20 minutes to our 1st RE.  We only have 1 RE here in town and I had gone through a year of IF treatments and 2 m/cs with 1st RE.  I just felt like we should get a 2nd opinion.  Also, a few girls I knew IRL had success with this particular RE and so he came highly recommended. 

This new RE we see is so thorough and diagnosed me with several things that 1st RE overlooked.  We are in the midst of doing our 1st IVF at this new RE's office.  I am so glad we switched.  I feel so much more confident.  Yes, the drive gets annoying, esp when you have to start going in daily for monitoring but I think and hope it'll be worth it in the end.  

I think peace of mind means a ton.  Go where you feel comfortable!  Good luck! 

CandT

I drive almost an hour each way, but it's my only option. No real advice you just have to do what is best for you. You'll be stressed out either way unfortunately.