Should I get another opinion?

chicagobride_07 · January 2012

I had a first consult with an RE this past weekend. Previously, a PA at my GYN's practice ran an AMH on me and told me my only option for having a child was likely DE's. She was very, very pessimistic off of this one test only.

The RE ran some Day 3 bloodwork and is re-running the AMH. He didn't seem to think that the AMH was the "be all, end all" and mentioned he had women in his practice conceive (OEs) with "undetectable" AMHs in the past.

Anyway- the latest bloodwork was FSH 11.2 and estradiol 43. TSH and prolactin normal. We are waiting on another AMH and some other tests (inhibin b). He said that these numbers were "workable" and did not seem as concerned, given my age (I am almost 42). He wants me to come in in two weeks for further testing and we'll talk more about the treatment plan, but Clomid was mentioned in passing.

We are completely out of pocket for this and I am old . I don't want to waste valuable time and money. If DEs are indeed the only option- I need to know that now and move forward or start to think about adoption.

How are my numbers, given my age? Should I be seeking a second opinion or is the RE on track with what he is doing?

This RE was an independant practitioner, but we also have an appointment at a large fertility clinic here in Chicago (FCI) for another opinion next week. It will cost $$, so I am wondering if it is worth it to go or if I should save this $$ to apply to further testing with RE # 1.

Thanks!

happywifemomofone · January 2012

I am also in Chicago and spent the past year at FCI. They will likely suggest IVF as your only option, cancel your cycle if you don't have at least 5 follies, and then will suggest DE. I regret spending a year doing IVF at FCI, but our insurance covered it (HMO) and wouldn't let us go anywhere else. You recommend that you consult with Advance Fertility, think their offices are in Gurnee. I think that they do Mini-IVF with focuses on getting 1-2 good quality embryos each month and doesn't cost as much because they don't use the his stims. I do think with your numbers, that you could be successful with your OE. But only you could make the decision to move on to DE. I know that I wanted to do IVF to evaluate the quality of my own eggs because we cannot afford to use DE at this time. I am 42, think my numbers are in my siggy. Think your numbers are definitely within normal range for your age. What RE will you see at FCI? I had 3 in the past year, Dr. Sipe, Dr. Kaplan and lastly Dr. Feinberg.

chicagobride_07 · January 2012

Thanks so much for all of the feedback! Our FCI appointment is with Dr. Sipe. I have heard others say good things about Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago in Gurnee. I only chose FCI because it was closer (I live downtown). Maybe the Gurnee practice would be a better fit. I am wondering how that would work, however, with monitoring and such as it is so far away?

Mrs.McIrish · January 2012

I think Happywife gave you some good info so I won't repeat her advice. I just wanted to say that clomid is not good for women over 40 as it thins the lining too much. I would avoid it. Femara is better if you aren't ready for IVF.

happywifemomofone · January 2012

happywifemomofone:
I am also in Chicago and spent the past year at FCI. They will likely suggest IVF as your only option, cancel your cycle if you don't have at least 5 follies, and then will suggest DE. I regret spending a year doing IVF at FCI, but our insurance covered it (HMO) and wouldn't let us go anywhere else. You recommend that you consult with Advance Fertility, think their offices are in Gurnee. I think that they do Mini-IVF with focuses on getting 1-2 good quality embryos each month and doesn't cost as much because they don't use the his stims. I do think with your numbers, that you could be successful with your OE. But only you could make the decision to move on to DE. I know that I wanted to do IVF to evaluate the quality of my own eggs because we cannot afford to use DE at this time. I am 42, think my numbers are in my siggy. Think your numbers are definitely within normal range for your age. What RE will you see at FCI? I had 3 in the past year, Dr. Sipe, Dr. Kaplan and lastly Dr. Feinberg.

Sorry about my typos, I am working night shift this week.....one down four to go. Dr. Sipe is a nice guy-everyone I've ever talked to out of the starting gate has liked him. Tootlebug on IF board recommended him, although she ended up leaving him and going elsewhere before her BFP. Dr. Sipe cycled me twice, cancelled first cycle-which was EPP. At WTF, told us DE was our only option. We cycled one more time, did get to retrieval on microdose flare, with only one follie retrieved. But that's where we learned our quality wasn't too awful. Left him because we didn't want to do another WTF with the DE speech with Dr. Sipe. Would ask Advanced Fertility if they offer option to monitor elsewhere. You might be able to monitor downtown at FCI, and use Advance Fertility for ER and ET. The other thing you might consider is a clinic that offers lab results online. I know that Reproductive Medicine Institute in Oakbrook offers this (not sure if they have a downtown office). It would be easier to communicate lab results between the clinics. Good luck!

chicagobride_07 · January 2012

Thank you Happywife and McIrish for the tips!

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