Sydney girls - who do I pick as my IVF FS?

[monkeii]

I have been told that DH and I will need IVF to fall PG. My GP recommeded Dr Peter Leung at IVF Australia - I think partly because he is closer to home. I really don't mind driving the extra 10 mins into the city and seeing someone there if they are any better.

Another friend of mine (also a Dr) suggested Dr Mark Bowman at SIVF. I see on this site a lot of you see Dr Lok - mostly due to male sperm problem. We don't have this issue. Our issue is blocked tubes.

Does anyone have good or bad experiences with Dr Bowman? Please PM me if this can't be openly discussed here

What do you think:

Who should I see?
When you first picked you FS, did you shop around?
My only criteria is to pick someone who will dedicate himself to our case - by personalising our treatment as needed. I really don't care where they are located.

Thank you

[Nixon]

I was referred to Dr.Lok by my GP. My GP has always been great and I trust him, so we didn't shop around - just went with the flow.

There is a run down of all the Dr's on the SIVF website - Got to the "About us" then "Our Drs" link and you can then click on the names to see a pic and their Bio.

It can be a hard road, so just remember that once you have chosen someone if you get a bit down the track and it doesn't feel right then you are well within your rights to change to another FS.

Good luck.

[butterfly_warrior]

I would suggest that you check out the fee structures of the different clinics - remembering that it's not just SIVF and IVF Australia! There's the Westmead Fertility Centre and Next Generation Fertility and a few other ones where the names are currently escaping me.

Also check out the doctor profiles at each clinic - find one that you think is going to suit your particular situation. We were initially referred to Dr David Knight at Next Gen, and find him to be alternatingly wonderful and outright revolting. He was always dedicated to doing what needed to be done for us, he just sometimes had a slightly peculiar way of showing it and would show no hesitation in giving me a metaphoric kick up the bum if he felt I was letting things get on top of me and IVF control my life. We also sought a second opinion with Dr Gavin Sacks at IVF Australia who was also absolutely wonderful and very gentle... but we couldn't cope with the extra 2 hours of travel time to see him.

For us, our issues were many and complex with both male and female factor infertility and problems staying pregnant once an embryo had implanted, all complicated by other health problems... I'd certainly recommend doing the research not only into the doctor, but the clinic as well.

BW

[Willow]

Dr Gavin Sacks at IVF Australia. He's a genius. 'Nuff said.

You can see him at the city clinic or various other clinics around Sydney (can't remember which clinics on which days and I think that's changed since I saw him anyway).

We had the same issue as you - left tube blocked due to adhesions and scarring from surgery. I also had part of my left ovary removed.

Google him or search his name on this site and you'll find lots of info and posts about him. Have a look at their website too if you haven't already.

[sjd]

I can't recommend Dr Ric Porter at IVF Australia enough. He's so professional, he's just wonderful. I totally trust him, which I think is really important. He is my FS & was my OB for my son. I'm now seeing him again for No.2.

Good luck with whoever you choose!

[Hollybolly]

I second everything BW has to say in regards to checking out fee structures for the clinics first

Dr Bowman from SIVF comes with extremely good recommendations.. but SIVF is by far the most expensive.. At this point in time, too expensive for us

I'm also going to add to the wonderful words here for Dr Sacks at IVF Australia - he is the perfect blend of specialist in the fact that he is completely dedicated.. and will also be honest with you at the same time.

Willows first line of her post is great

Good luck hun - definately check out all of the sites, and read up about the FS'... find the one that you think will suit your situation.
Its really important to find an FS you're comfortable & confident with

[monkeii]

Thanks Girls, so much great info.

I think I will see both Dr Sacks and Dr Bowman.

I also think we will do all the prep work in the next few weeks and set to go in Jan 09. Scary!!

Anything you recommend I do in the lead up to it?

Thanks again for all the posts x