How was your experience with Catherine Ryan at Gundersen Fertility Center?
Dr. Ryan is very thorough in each of her visits. I feel that we get at least 30 minutes with her each time we are there. She is very caring and understanding of what we are going through. Sometimes I feel like we could speed up the steps we're taking (i.e. upping medication more quickly, etc), but she ultimately knows what's best. She performed my endometriosis surgery and was very caring throughout the hospital visit.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Catherine Ryan at Gundersen Fertility Center?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. She does provide a lot of information, but sometimes I want more, and she's willing to give it.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Catherine Ryan at Gundersen Fertility Center?
Dr. Ryan always takes the time to answer our questions, no matter how simple they may seem. I remember her holding my hand as they put my under for my endometriosis surgery. She has been incredibly supportive to us.
Describe the protocols Catherine Ryan used in your cycles at Gundersen Fertility Center and their degree of success.
I was started on thyroid medication due to my levels being in the 5s. I was first prescribed 25mg, and then upped to 50, and then again upped to 75. 75 ended up being too high, so I know take 1 pill 5 days a week, and half a pill 2 days a week.
I had high levels of prolactin so she has me on Cabergoline. I started at a very low dose (one half pill one day a week) and my levels check out.
After my levels were in the correct range, she decided to do lap surgery. It was discovered that I had Stage 3, with scar tissue attaching my right ovary to my pelvis, making it nearly impossible for an egg to leave that ovary. After surgery, she suggested we try naturally for 6 months as all should be working correctly.
After 6 months of unsuccessful natural cycles, she started my on 2.5 of Letrozole for my first IUI. The 2.5 did make a couple of additional follicles, but not mature enough to release an egg. Due to holiday timing, we had to skip the IUI and go with a natural cycle.
For my second month of Letrozole, she kept me on 2.5 because she has seen low follicle outputs over the holidays. I did have 5 extra follicles, but none of them were mature enough. I did trigger with 10,000 units of Pregnyl.
If this current cycle isn'y successful, she will move me to 5 of Letrozole.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Gundersen Fertility Center.
I feel like I spend a lot of time on the phone with the staff getting updates, or discussing prescriptions. I leave a message for the nurses line and they always call back within 30 minutes. When they call back, they have talked to the doctor, know exactly where I'm at in my cycle, and are always positive.
Describe your experience with Gundersen Fertility Center.
The clinic has you show up 15 minutes before your appt time. I am never in the waiting room for more than 5 minute past my appt time. You do share the waiting area with the Women's Clinic so you often see pregnant women and newborn babies, which can be challenging.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Catherine Ryan at Gundersen Fertility Center.
Monitoring Ultrasound - $107
HCG Trigger Shot - $130
IUI - $515