Need advice on switching doctors this late in the game

CML11 · November 2014

So I'm contemplating switching docs. For those that don't know, I have had one failed IVF and one chemical pregnancy. I keep wondering if I should switch to another office I consulted with in the beginning. Their timing has always been way off for me to switch, but I really don't care for my doc. She sugar coats everything, which in theory sounds good, but I never actually know what's really going on. I just always feel like I'm in the dark. I have no idea what my FSH level or my AMH or if they are watching my thyroid. I never get notified on any of my blood work results other than what my E2 level is. When I did a consult with the other RE it was my low thyroid was something she brought up right away, I had no idea even though they were records from the first doc. It's like my current doc refuses to bring anything up that's not positive. I'm a realist that needs information, good or bad.
I just don't know if it's worth the time it will take to get into the other place. Will they have to learn how my complicated body and I'll be starting from square one? Maybe my screwed up cervix/uterus/old eggs are the problem not the doctor and no doc is going to have any better luck than my current one?

Any advice stay or go? We have 4 more paid cycles through insurance if that helps.

northernkhaleesi · November 2014

I don't have any experience with REs, but my suggestion is that if you're not happy, you should go to the other one. You can request that your records be transferred, and that has to be done. There's no reason to start over at square one at this point.

I'm with you about wanting to know things. My doctor was surprised when I asked certain questions during my prenatal appointments; I don't think she'd been asked things before. She gave me answers to everything I asked, and I will go back to her the next time.

Bottom line is that you have to feel comfortable with your doctor, and if you feel like the first one isn't telling everything that you want to know, you should switch.

Good luck!

tlc35 · November 2014

I also want to know everything. I am doing initial testing now and every time the RE office calls and says labs are "normal" I have to stop them and ask for the numbers.

I think it is absolutely worth getting a second opinion. Were both cycles the same protocol? If so does you doctor want to change protocols now? I have seen posters get significantly improved results with protocol changes.

Personally I would schedule a 2nd opinion (making sure you/they have all the records) and go the the WTF appt for your doctor and then decide what to do from there.

CML11 · November 2014

@tlc35‌ my RE did change the protocol from IVF #1 to IVF #2. Same meds with increased doses. I think I was over suppressed this cycle which had a big impact on the result. I'm in general a poor responder, so maybe changing medication may be a good idea too. There were other poor responder bumpies that changed meds with improved egg quality/quantity. I've got some research to do.

lcwed · November 2014

I agree with PPs that a second opinion could not hurt. You don't want to waste all your IVF cycles on someone you don't trust. I am so sorry you are in this position.

emsmama15 · November 2014

I feel like you should have faith that your RE has your best interests at heart AND is going to get you pregnant. If you feel she's sugar coating things and only telling you the positives, I'd absolutely get a second opinion.

Nikolie93 · November 2014

In my opinion I think it's absolutely important to like and respect your Dr. If you're feeling this way you may want to check into seeing someone else. As someone said, they should transfer all of your files. I'm sure you will need to answer questions for them that you feel you've already answered to your current RE but that may be a good thing.

If you think about the future and you looked back, would you feel you did everything you could or would you regret not getting a second opinion?

I know it sucks and seems like you will be starting over but you may kick yourself later if you don't.

Good luck!

hooligans4 · November 2014

I'm on second opinion team. You need to feel comfortable and trust your doctor. If you don't then it's time to find someone you do. Good luck.

meredithcarole · November 2014

Yes, get the second opinion.

amandaleigh1 · November 2014

If you are a need to know patient (I am one), you need to be upfront with your did on your need for info. If that doc isn't willing or isn't able to do that for you, I would find one that is.

amandaleigh1 · November 2014

Fyi- you can request all your files for your personal record if wou want them. Then you can bring them or get them requested a second time for your second opinion. I now have all my previous RE files, and I'm glD I had a look at them as I was headed to a new clinic (new clinic due to moving).

shadiddynyc · November 2014

I was in the same boat as @amandaleigh1. I moved from NY in April & picked up all my files right before I left. The new RE should just consult with you ask you some questions & review your file. I started where I left off when I changed RE so your fine, just do it, if that's what you want to do. When I told my old RE that I was moving & will continue with treatment, I told him where I was going & he praised it. So I felt more confident with my current RE.

stemi · November 2014

I agree with everyone-- get the second opinion. Good luck!

Davie813 · November 2014

I'd probably make my decision about the second opinion after my followup visit with my current RE. If you are unsatisfied with her response after voicing your concerns and asking, in detail, for information such as test results you haven't been getting, I'd definitely move on.

CML11 · November 2014

I do feel like I will make my final decision based on my WTF appointment in next week. I am scared of feeling like I'm starting over. I'm nervous that it will take a cycle for her to figure out my body.
My husband said this may be our last cycle because he wants to transfer and that will change his insurance.

Nikolie93 · November 2014

Just remember that sometimes starting over could get you where you want to be when staying put may not.

It's a hard decison, I know *hug*

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