Help - thinking of changing FS

[Peta]

Hi Ladies
Hoping some of you can help me out. I am thinking of changing FS. I have been seeing my current FS for 14 months & have been through 3 OI cycles + 2 IVF stim cycles with no real break throughs. Thing is, I have my appointment booked to start IVF#3 with my current specialist this Thursday.
Why am I thinking of changing? A couple of things - I don't believe my FS listens to me. I have a heart condition & my cardiologist has mentioned that pregnancy could be quite touch & go, therefore I would love for my FS to communicate more with her about where we are at. However, everytime I mention this he just says he will refer to one of the local cardiologists he knows & that will all be fine. I don't think this is fine, I don't believe he understands my heart condition & what it could mean to be pregnant with it.
The other thing is that I quite often feel like a number. The staff at the clinic are always so rushed that some days you are just whizzed in, checked, whizzed out & re-booked for the next visit.
What do you all think? Am I expecting too much? I really don't know whether to go ahead with this cycle in case it does work (then I would be "stuck" with my FS for longer) or make the break now & seek a second opinion.
I would really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!

[CeCe]

Hi Peta,

If you are not happy with your FS and do not feel listened to at this stage, do you think it would be any different when you do fall pregnant? I think it is important to feel comfortable with your FS and be able to talk issues through. Given that you have been through a few cycles with this one - and I guess a few appointments - you should have built some sort of understanding about each other but it doesn't sound like your FS is trying.

You don't have to stay with the same FS once you are pregnant so if you wanted you could change then.

I suppose things to consider are the waiting lists for other FS (here in Canberra they can be a few months just for a first appointment) and if you are prepared to wait versus continuing on with current FS. The other thing I would try to do if you do swap is get a copy of your notes, tests etc, especially if you are changing clinics.

Good luck with what you chose.

[anney]

peta,
Certainly sounds like you are not being listened to. You already have a cardiologist - there is no reason for him to be referring you to someone he knows! (unless you want a new cardiologist of course.) As for your FS communicating with her, that is probalby not necessary until you are pg. but maybe you could get your cardiologist to write your FS a letter re her concerns and see how he reacts to that?
good luck peta

[collo04]

I changed FS this year after two failed IVF cycles. I found the same thing you were just a number and he didnt look into any other health concerns that I also had. We are paying doible than what we were at the old clinic but man is it worth it. If you are not happy dont waste time. Change!!!!!! This TTC stuff is far to important to wait we all do enough of that as it is...

[dusty]

Peta, I am a big believer in getting another 1 or 2 opinions. I have moved FS twice, first time because my first FS was cr@p, second time was out of my hands. I have never regretted getting another opinion, and found it quite liberating and confirmed my suspicion that I had been getting cruddy advice. CeCe is right there can be delays with appointments etc but why not book ahead JIC you need it?
Good luck hun and I hope it works out for you and I see you over in the pg threads soon

xx

[Peta]

Thank you girls for all of your suggestions and support. It is much appreciated. I still don't know whether it is better to stick with the devil you know or change, but have put in a call to the new FS to ask a few questions before making my final decision. At this stage I am 90% sure I will be changing and want to make the call this afternoon so that it is not very last minute if I do cancel.
THANKS!!!!!! Your help is appreciated.

[belle333]

Hi

I just wanted to say good luck.

I'm not sure what to think about my FS. So far ok, but I definately get more information from the IVF clinic than I do him. I had my first EPU two weeks ago today but couldn't do transfer - not well enough.

I made an appointment with my FS, wanted to find out about the FET process (cause I just don't know, drugs etc, & when does it start), his secretary rang and said that he didn't really need to see me, so appointment was cancelled.

The Clinic have asked me a couple of times how many embryos transfer did I discuss with the doctor - well it still won't be discussed.

What do I do???

(I have to admit that the nurses at the IVF clinic are wonderful).

[Peta]

I did it! I made the change. And even more surprising I get to see the new clinic on Monday afternoon, so may not be that far behind schedule in the end. I feel really bad about changing clinics, but hey, you have to do what feels right I guess.
Belle your FS should be availble to discuss all your questions with you (or at least the nurses). Especially when you are anxious about a new procedure. Maybe call and make another appointment & don't let them cancel it on you. From my brief experience, the nurses are the ones that do all the work & the FS takes the glory, so chances are they may know more about your cycle than the FS.

[CeCe]

Well done on your decision to move. I really hope this one is a lot better and listens to you and your concerns.

Don't feel guilty. You are a consumer of a service and if you don't feel you are getting your money's worth you have every right to take your business elsewhere.

it goes well for you from here.

[Shannon22]

Hi Peta

Congrats on making the move! Just remember its your body and your money and you should get the best treatment for you! You have more at stake regarding you health and it should be the first priority not the clinic statistics.

Hope all goes well with the new FS

Shan