He [Dr. Nulsen] always takes the time to personally call me with news/updates (and is pretty good at delivering dismal news). I really appreciate how much he cares about me as a patient. I don't feel like any question is "stupid" or that I'm ever being rushed...is so intelligent and so well-trained. I trust him fully and even after a really poor response to my first round of IVF, I trust his adjustment wholeheartedly. I really don't have any weaknesses to share, aside from the fact that I pray our second round of IVF will lead to more embryos and hopefully one will be PGS normal!
Unfortunately, my PGS results [from Center for Advanced Reproductive Services] came in on a Tuesday and I did not learn of the results until that Friday. This was heartwrenching for me, but the only mistake in over 8 months of being a patient...It [monitoring] was a well-efficient, well-oiled machine. As long as you get there before 7:30, you are seen within 30 minutes or so. The MAs are great and you're often seen by an MD for ultrasounds.
How was your experience with John Nulsen at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical)?
As I stated earlier, Dr. Nulsen is so intelligent and so well-trained. I trust him fully and even after a really poor response to my first round of IVF, I trust his adjustment wholeheartedly. I really don't have any weaknesses to share, aside from the fact that I pray our second round of IVF will lead to more embryos and hopefully one will be PGS normal!
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of John Nulsen at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical)?
I highly recommend that you come prepared with a list of questions. Time with Dr. Nulsen is sacred, so please make the most of it!
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with John Nulsen at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical)?
Even though Dr. Nulsen is incredibly scientific in his presentation and philosophy (always relies on textbooks and peer-reviewed studies/literature, which I certainly appreciate!), he always treats me like a human; I am also good at reminding him that I am a human and not a number ;). He always takes the time to personally call me with news/updates (and is pretty good at delivering dismal news). I really appreciate how much he cares about me as a patient. I don't feel like any question is "stupid" or that I'm ever being rushed.
Describe the protocols John Nulsen used in your cycles at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical) and their degree of success.
I started with an agonist protocol (Gonal F 375 IU for 10 days; Ganirelix for 7 days and I was triggered with just Lupron). This produced 8 eggs (expected for my age, I guess), but only one fertilized and then made it to blast. This embryo was PGS abnormal, and I was told I have "very poor egg quality." I'm not sure I fully believe this, as I have a healthy, perfect 3.5 year old. I'm currently on the MDL flare protocol (starting BCPs tonight for 18 days) and then I'll be on Gonal F pen (300 IU PM), microdose leuprolide (10 IU 2x/day), Menopur (150 IU PM), and HCG.
Describe your experience with your nurse at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical). (Assigned nurse: Vicki Hauptmann)
Aside from being a little "all over the place," Vicki truly cares so much about her patients. She is very smart, and can take a mile a minute, but is okay when you ask her to pause or slow down. I know she's rooting SO hard for me, which I truly appreciate. All of the other nurses I've encountered are amazing, too.
Describe your experience with Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical).
CARS is amazing. I walked in as a terrified new patient (who wants to be on this journey?!) and now feel like a seasoned pro. I love all of the staff members (lab people, front desk people, MAs, nurses, and my doctor. I recommend coming prepared with all necessary documents and questions when you come for your appointments). I also love the Resolve support group that is hosted there once a month. Their community outreach (thank you, Ami!) is amazing!
Describe your experience with your monitoring appointments at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical).
It was a well-efficient, well-oiled machine. As long as you get there before 7:30, you are seen within 30 minutes or so. The MAs are great and you're often seen by an MD for ultrasounds.
Describe the costs associated with your care under John Nulsen at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical).
I wish I knew more, but since insurance covered 100% I don't know. I think with meds included my first round of IVF was around $30,000.
Describe John Nulsen's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical).
If we get there, especially since we are doing PGS, he highly recommends I only transfer one embryo.
What specific things went wrong at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical)?
- Failed to call with results
Describe the specific things that went wrong at Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical).
Unfortunately, my PGS results came in on a Tuesday and I did not learn of the results until that Friday. This was heartwrenching for me, but the only mistake in over 8 months of being a patient. I will convey this heartbreak to them at my next appointment.
9
Clinic
Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (UCONN Medical)
Farmington