How to change FS?

After an appointment with our current FS today in which DH and I left somewhat feeling we hadn't really achieved what we wanted, I'm considering changing FS. We've had 3 cycles and 5 transfers. DH says 'if you try and get somewhere but keep hitting your head on a :wall:, do you go back for more or find another path?"

So, if we both feel this path is not the right one, how do you go about changing your FS? Obviously I know I'd need a referral, but do they evaluate your previous cycles to see what they would do different? Is there a great difference in processes/technology between clinics to improve chances from one to another or is it more just a personality thing and going with the FS you are comfortable with?

When we were first looking at IVF there were 2 clinics in Canberra. According to one, they were both the same and their statistics were comparable, whilst the other claimed they had certain advantages - so who do you believe? Can there really be a great deal of difference in success rates by using a different culture or something?

I guess I'm just trying to ease my fear that changing our FS will be like starting all over again. To a degree I know it will as it will be a new clinic and possibly new processes to get use to.

Can you tell by this post I'm confused ? :wall:

If you've changed FS I'd really appreciate any input or advice.

I was with clinic A with FS A

Then
Clinic B with FS B

Then
went back to Clinic A with FS A

Then
i meet with a FS interstate for advice, and took this back to FS A

Now
i am with Clinic B with FS C!!!

hope all that make sense without naming names !!

Fs don't really care if you change i guess - you are paying for a service and don't feel that you have to stick with the same one just cause you will feel bad! i got over this a long time ago. gosh i left one then went back to him and he still gave me a good service.

A change is as good as a rest i say.

With regards toall your previous history with your FS i just write a letter to them asking all my files to either be copied and sent to me or direct to my new FS. this way i also get to have a copy of how all my cycles were mananged and what i would/ would not do again.

With regards to the clinic changes, there are always benefits and negatives as there is with FS

I liked the way clinic A would always use U/S at TF but clinic B does not! that is something i will have to get used to i guess

Also clinic A TF blasties and Clinic B (when i was last with them) did day 2/3 TF

I NEVER felt like changing FS was like starting all over again, in fact i fell even closer to my BFP! and that can only be a positive way for me to look at the situation i guess

In saying all this the change has worked well for me and my family

Im sure other may have something different to say, only you and your DH can make the changes and be happy with what you have done. meet with several FS before you choose? if that helps or get recommendations from close friends on here for your ares - i wouldn't post a thread about it though, as some people take offence if negative things are said about their FS! which is fair.

Although any FS that gets me my BABY is going to be MR wonderful for me and others may find him/ her a pain in the ass! lol

hope i havent confused you any more

You can only give it a try!

GL

I didn't change FS but got a second opinion from another FS. I was really upfront with FS that I was going to get another opinion...that it wasn't personal but for my 'mental health'...just needed to know there wasn't something else out there that we should be doing. When I went to 2nd FS I told him straight up why I was there...he spent over an hour going through all our results from previous cycles and in the end offered the same opinion re where to go next. We decided to stay with our original clinic as it was closer to home but I would have changed if I believed there was something better or differrent on offer. Just remember this is about YOU! You are paying them for a service and if your needs aren't being met...tell them...move on...do whatever you need to do. Looking back in five years 'wondering' will be worse than the short term 'pain' of being upfront. Good luck :)

Loula, I was telling myself this morning that seeking another opinion and even trying a cycle with another FS/clinic does not mean I cannot go back. I already have my end of cycle reports for my 3 full stim cycles but I'd ask for a full copy of everything if/when I do try someone different.

Ellie, I tend to shy away from anything I find confrontational so I don't think I'd be able to tell my current FS that I was going else where but considering I've only seen him a couple of times it's not something I would have to explain anyway. I was also thinking this morning that I shouldn't hold back from seeking another opinion. I am a consumer of a service when it all boils down and I do have a right to shop around for the right service or product for us.

Thank you for your responses. I think I get so hung up on things at times :)

Cece, sorry to hear that you've been through a few cycles without success. I have to say that I would definitely asking questions as of why...I just can't do things the same way for like more than 3 cycles without questioning.

My story, I am in Sydney, so basically the two biggest clinics are SIVF and IVF Aust. I started with IVF Aust, did all the basic tests etc. but wasn't entirely happy with the FS (more of his attitude), so when we decide to go for IVF, I thought I might choose the best clinic in the field (this is only based on their stats and some of word of month I heard, I know lots of girls in here have successful stories with other clinics). After 2 stim cycles, 4 TR, I got PG but lost it at 8 wks. Due to some different opinion, I found my FS tends to underplay male infertility issue, so we decided to change to another FS within the same clinic.

There is not much hassle in terms of the past record at all, all very convenient, easy access etc. Even with IVF Aust, I kept all the report so can bring them to the new FS, so he doesn't have to start from scratch. So, I don't think you necessarily have to start all over again.

One thing I found very beneficial of the latest change is, different FS definitely have quite different point of view (approach) sometimes, and after a few cycle with one FS, it can be a good and refreshing thing to have another pair of eyes to asses the case. There might be some sparks coming out of it too. It seems to me that there is nothing to lose...

Good luck with it, I know its a big decision, but change sometimes can bring positive things.

Hi Ce
I have been with three FS and three clinics. Like Loula I liked somethings about all of them but didn't necessarily get everything I wanted in one clinic and FS.

It is scary to look for a different path. BUT I am so glad I did and both times I changed it was with a big push or when an opportunity showed itself, when we realised we needed to take my health and happiness into account and be more actively involved.

Like Loula pointed out getting files copied and transferred is fairly easy. FS's have never followed up with me to find out where I was or what I was doing. You have to be so proactive in this 'game'. I had developed great relationship with my second clinic nurses and staff over a year and was sad to leave the nurses. In fact I was probably a little hostile to my new clinic nurse as she was so young and the process was more impersonal, but it still did work ok, it just wasn't what I was used to and had to become more comfortable with it.

I think the best thing is to shop around and find a FS you really think is for you and go with the clinic they are associated with. I know in Canberra the two (there is a third clinic opening called ISIS soon) clinic have different embryo culture and processes and SIVF does seem to have slightly better stats, but people get pg at both.

The one note of caution I make is your new FS may want to start you on a treatment that you have done in the past and not been successful with, but as you are new to them they may not want to try something different at first. My 3rd FS ignored the fact that my body shuts off on Lucrin/Syneral and wasted a cycle IMO. Be strong if you want to try a different protocol or question them on the level of stims they want to give you etc. They may have a reason for doing so, but it is important to find out WHY they want to it.

THe other thing you may want to consider is whether you go to Sydney for treatment and greater choice in FS. I know of others in Canberra who do this.

Good luck hun.
xx

Thanks Cuddliepie and Dusty.

I'm slowly convincing myself that it's the right thing to do. I've been looking at my options and listing questions that I'd like answered prior to deciding. I guess I just didn't want to make a knee jerk decision to find no benefit.

If I don't try, I wont know, and I'd rather know than forever wonder :)