How was your experience with Maher Abdallah at American Reproductive Centers?
Dr.Abdallah is a great doctor. As a patient, I felt confident knowing what was going to happen at every step. As it was our first procedure, he made sure we knew everything going on and were comfortable with all the steps. When we went through a second cycle of IVF, he did not assume that we know everything. He continued to monitor us and inform us of every step. Because he has two clinics he runs, it can be difficult with timing, be he always makes it work out.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Maher Abdallah at American Reproductive Centers?
Working with Dr. Abdallah has been a great experience going through IVF. He is very knowledgable and tailors his treatment with your body and response. Be ready to make frequent trips to the office for constant monitoring. Make sure to ask questions, do not afraid to be annoying if you have to! Dr. Abdallah has always been so kind and supportive.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Maher Abdallah at American Reproductive Centers?
Dr. Abdallah performs all the ultrasounds himself and is in constant contact with his patients. He personally called us to inform us about our developing embryos, after hours. I felt like a human and that he honestly cared. He called to inform me personally with the news that my transfer had resulted in a chemical pregnancy and he talked with me for over a half hour as I was crying. He was supportive and understanding throughout the entire process and really made us feel comfortable through this difficult journey. He helped us mentally and physically prepare for round two and helped us understand our options
Describe the protocols Maher Abdallah used in your cycles at American Reproductive Centers and their degree of success.
I was diagnosed with DOR at the beginning of our treatments, so Dr. Abdallah put me on a higher dosage of the medication for stimulation. I have an AMH of 0.8 at 31 years old. I was put on 75 IU of Menopur and 300 IU of Gonal-F for 9 days of stimulation. I produced 7 follicles and we retrieved 6 eggs. All 6 fertilized, but only 2 made it to 5-day Blastocyst. Before my Frozen Embryo Transfer, I was on three weeks of Lupron and birth control. I started E2 injections (1cc/ml) twice a week, two weeks before transfer. I started my PIO shots (1.5 cc/ml) daily, five days before transfer. I continued this until I found out my transfer resulted in a chemical pregnancy. My Progesterone and E2 levels tested great at all my blood tests.
Our medication for stims was the same on our second round. We produced 6 eggs again and 3 embryos. PIO started right after retrieval for the fresh transfer.
Describe your experience with your nurse at American Reproductive Centers. (Assigned nurse: Ashley)
All of the nurses at American Reproductive Centers are amazing! I was under the care of Ashley, who was a patient there herself. I asked her about her personal feelings and how she felt going through. She can relate and that is so important! I felt comfortable calling them multiple times with my many questions, and each time they were friendly and understanding. I never felt rushed, or stupid during the entire process. I also worked with Nelly during my transfer, and she is the sweetest person there! She talks to you and encourages you. I love the nursing staff at ARC.
Describe your experience with American Reproductive Centers.
This clinic is always clean and presentable. They have a lab and surgery center on site, so it is very convenient and accessible. My husband's semen analysis was able to be performed and tested on site without being sent to a lab. I live an hour away from my clinic and it is easy to get to and worth the drive.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Maher Abdallah at American Reproductive Centers.
Our Retrieval and Frozen Embryo Transfer protocol was about $12,000 (not including the cost of medication). Our second Retrieval and Fresh Transfer protocol was about $10,500 (not including the cost of medication).
Describe Maher Abdallah's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at American Reproductive Centers.
Because I have low AMH, Dr. Abdallah suggested transferring our only 2 embryos. This also helped us save cost, as another transfer would be about $4,000 including the cost of medication. We did transfer 2 embryos both times. We now have twins!
What specific things went wrong at American Reproductive Centers?
- Provided conflicting information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at American Reproductive Centers.
One of the nurses, who was not on my case, sent me a lab slip for a pregnancy test which I was not due for. My natural cycle, for our second try, was canceled due to elevated E2 levels. I was instructed to take four weeks of birth control pills and to come back after to create a new calendar. The nurse was not informed that my calendar had been changed.