Getting another opinion after a disappointing WTF

darby17

This might be long - but I value the opinions of you ladies, and sometimes it is just good to get this all out!

We should have had an egg transfer last Thursday. We got a call Monday that none of my eggs made the thaw to be fertilized. We were just crushed. My doctor had said that they have about a 90% thaw rate. So we expected we might lose 1-2 (I had 6 eggs banked). We never expected to lose everything.  I know he didn't expect it either. I do believe he thought this was the best option for us. But we are just not sure why he suggested we bank eggs vs. embryos.

At our WTF appointment Monday, we brought research that we found. Everything I read says that egg banking is for younger women, without partners, or women going through chemo etc. So we asked him - why would he suggest egg banking over embryos when I have a partner. Embryo freezing is more routine, has higher success rates, egg freezing is still in the early stages.

The reasoning he gave was that to freeze embryos - they have to get to day 5. My first two IVFs we transferred on day 3. He didn't think I'd have anything get to day 5.  So with banking eggs - we'd have more to work with to transfer on day 3.  

So we didn't really leave on a positive note. We had my records sent to another clinic - which he acknowledged. I don't think he was mad - but it felt awkward. He also said if we stayed - we could try another IVF - this time bank embryos for genetic testing (with the risk of having nothing on day 5).  I am not sure how confident I feel in the lab. Maybe I just need a change.

I have a consult at Wake Forest next week. They are nationally ranked and I think number 2 for women 38-40. The doctor comes highly recommended. I am anxious to hear what he has to say.

Meanwhile - since I can't stand the waiting and doing nothing - My current RE said I could do another IUI. So I am on Femara days 5-9 (I've always done days 3-7, but we got a late start). It hasn't ever worked before - but stranger things have happened. So I figure it can't hurt.

BrideJackie11

I am so sorry that your transfer didn't happen and eggs didn't make the thaw.  I haven't heard of freezing eggs during an IVF cycle (hence why it is called invitro fertilization).  I believe embryos can be frozen anywhere prior to 6 days. 

GetwickMom

Hi, I'm new to the board, but I do have experience in medical labs so I thought I would respond.

Medical laboratory science is very much dependent on the technicians you are using, so it completely makes sense to me to seek another lab/RE just to

twistsandturnsto2

I think getting a second opinion is worth it. First and foremost, you need to be comfortable with your doctor and be on board with their tx plan. And the rule of freezing embryos only if they make it to day 5 is not a hard and fast rule. I realize that

hootie123

I definitely think you are making the right decision about getting another opinion on your situation - and if I were you I would consider getting a third opinion as well (even if that means doing a phone consult somewhere).  

I am surp

BootsOrHearts

I go to Wake Reproductive - I really like them.

I have no clue why he wouldn't wait until day 5 or 6 and freeze embryos. That makes no sense. Are you doing PGD testing on all your embryos?

darby17

Thanks for the responses.  You all brought up good points. I don't know why my RE doesn't freeze embryos until day 5.  I will certainly ask the new dr. about the possibilities of freezing earlier (if necessary).  We may do genetic testin