As I'm a poor responder, I'm choosing to bank embryos at this time and have not done an embryo transfer [with Dr. Carolyn Doherty] yet...On blood draws, Dr. Doherty will come in herself on the second try to make sure I'm not stuck a bunch of times, and I really appreciate her taking the time...When my first retrieval didn't go as well as either of us hoped, she was honest about the fact that my treatment would be an uphill battle. I like that she doesn't sugar coat things or be misleading about how the next time will be amazing.
When I've asked for specific details from the clinic [Methodist for Women], they have always been provided to me. I'm very A type, so sometimes I want more control over my situation than I am given, but I've never felt like my doctors or the nurse staff didn't care about me or treat me like a person...Clinic is first come first serve, so I see multiple nurses and multiple doctors. Everyone has been very kind and organized. They are happy to answer any questions I have and take the time to speak with me when I need more attention. They have always been sympathetic when I've called to report a negative pregnancy test.
How was your experience with Carolyn Maud Doherty at Methodist for Women?
I trust Dr. Doherty, and truly believes she knows what she is doing, even if I don't fully understand the course of action. When my first retrieval didn't go as well as either of us hoped, she was honest about the fact that my treatment would be an uphill battle. I like that she doesn't sugar coat things or be misleading about how the next time will be amazing. For the second retrieval, she didn't change my protocol as much as I hoped she would, but I'm currently stimming right now and have seen a big improvement in my response so far, so I'm happy I continued my treatment with her. It's hard to stay positive and trust, but it's worth it in the end. I would always like more communication, but any direct question I've asked has been answered so it has not been an issue.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Carolyn Maud Doherty at Methodist for Women?
Take the opportunity to ask questions. It can be hard to ask questions during your appointment, but make sure you have your list ready for when the nurse calls in the afternoon. They have always been patient and more than happy to answer my specific questions. If they need to consult with Dr. Doherty, they will and call me back as soon as possible.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Carolyn Maud Doherty at Methodist for Women?
For the most part Dr. Doherty is blunt and fast moving during appointments, but that hasn't been an issue so far for me personally. When I've asked for specific details from the clinic, they have always been provided to me. I'm very A type, so sometimes I want more control over my situation than I am given, but I've never felt like my doctors or the nurse staff didn't care about me or treat me like a person. On blood draws, Dr. Doherty will come in herself on the second try to make sure I'm not stuck a bunch of times, and I really appreciate her taking the time.
Describe the protocols Carolyn Maud Doherty used in your cycles at Methodist for Women and their degree of success.
IUI #1: Started stimming on 100 iu of Follistim for six days, then did Pregnyl as my trigger shot. Following the procedure, I did a Progesterone suppository. This procedure did not result in a pregnancy. Rationale was to start low. I think I produced two big follicles.
IUI #2: Started stimming on 200iu of Follistim for five days, moving to 300iu for the next six days when I wasn't responding well. I responded much better with nine follicles, but the procedure still did not result in a pregnancy. I was put on Progesterone in Oil instead of the suppository as my period came early with the first IUI.
Due to two failures, and my endometriosis diagnosis, Dr. Doherty gave me the option between a third IUI or IVF. I moved on to IVF.
Retrieval #1: I stimmed with 300iu of Follistim for five days before moving up to 450iu of Follistim for the next six days. I took Ganirelix for the last three of these days. While we saw 12 follicles, Dr. Doherty was only able to retrieve 5 egg, 4 of which were mature. This was partly due to my left ovary being too high and possible scarred from endometriosis to get much from. I ended up with 1 pgs normal embryo from that round.
I'm currently stimming for my second retrieval. 225iu of Follistim in the morning, and 225iu of Follistim in the evening. I'm on my twelfth day and am responding better than for the first retrieval. They are seeing four follicles on the left and thirteen on the right so far. Possible retrieval on Friday.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at Methodist for Women.
Clinic is first come first serve, so I see multiple nurses and multiple doctors. Everyone has been very kind and organized. They are happy to answer any questions I have and take the time to speak with me when I need more attention. They have always been sympathetic when I've called to report a negative pregnancy test.
Describe your experience with Methodist for Women.
I love that my clinic is attached to the hospital. I feel very monitored and taken care of during procedures by everyone involved. I like the open clinic hours. It takes a lot of pressure to be on time or work with my schedule. Everyone has been very kind, and I enjoy seeing multiple doctors as everyone has their own style. My doctor will be on vacation for my second retrieval, but since I've seen the other doctors throughout my care, I am comfortable and confident to have another doctor perform my retrieval.
I would like to see more communication about all the details about my treatment, but as long as I remember to ask questions it's not been a problem.
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Methodist for Women.
It was a very efficient process. I've rarely had to wait any longer than 20 minutes. It works well with my schedule, and I get seen and out of the office quickly.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Carolyn Maud Doherty at Methodist for Women.
My insurance does not cover most costs, so I pay out of pocket for everything. Including medications, my first IUI cost $2,200.45, my second IUI cost $3,805.32, my first retrieval with a freeze all cycle cost $13,482.83. This does not include the laparoscopy surgery I had due to endometriosis.
Describe Carolyn Maud Doherty's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Methodist for Women.
As I'm a poor responder, I'm choosing to bank embryos at this time and have not done an embryo transfer yet.
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Doctor
Carolyn Maud Doherty
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Clinic
Methodist for Women
Omaha