Overall, Dr. B [Barrionuevo] is amazing, and I’m glad to have found him. He shows compassion, and doesn’t make you feel silly for asking the simplest/irrational questions. He treats his patients with care. He explains everything in absolute detail. When delivering bad news, he shows empathy and brings an action plan.... During the egg retrieval cycle, we down-regulated with birth control. Once cleared, we started stims. Due to my young age and no apparent issues, I was placed on the lowest dose of Menopur and Follistim.
I could not give any negative feedback to this clinic [IVF Florida]. The nurses, care coordinators, financial consultants, appointment coordinators, and check out ladies make this all such a pleasant experience. As I mentioned, this journey is hard. But knowing and trusting you are in great hands makes it so much easier. On another note, for someone who works full time, this clinic is ideal. They open at 7:45am and if you show up a few minutes before doors open, you’re one of the first to be attended.
How was your experience with Marcelo Barrionuevo at IVF Florida?
Overall, Dr. B is amazing, and I’m glad to have found him. He shows compassion, and doesn’t make you feel silly for asking the simplest/irrational questions. He treats his patients with care. He explains everything in absolute detail. When delivering bad news, he shows empathy and brings an action plan.
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Marcelo Barrionuevo at IVF Florida?
Ask all the questions. Sometimes doctors don’t know that we don’t know, and that’s okay! They do this all day. But he will answer all your questions with loving care.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Marcelo Barrionuevo at IVF Florida?
I understood the chances of IVF and fertility upon going in, and doctors are no heros. However, from the beginning, Dr. B explained to us everything in absolute detail. After a failed transfer, he personally called to see how we were doing and what our next steps would be. If we had questions, he’d call us within the expected time. I always feel that my concerns are met. While he has several patients and probably hears the same story again and again, I feel uniquely valued.
Describe the protocols Marcelo Barrionuevo used in your cycles at IVF Florida and their degree of success.
During the egg retrieval cycle, we down-regulated with birth control. Once cleared, we started stims. Due to my young age and no apparent issues, I was placed on the lowest dose of Menopur and Follistim. I was monitored almost every other day with bloods and U/S. Once cleared, 48 hours before egg retrieval, I was told to trigger with an intramuscular injection of HCG. For my FET prep, I also began with BC. I then down regulated with Lupron injections. Once cleared, I was given my calendar and told to begin estrogen patches to build up my lining. A week before my scheduled transfer, I came in to ensure my lining was thick enough for transfer. 5 days before transfer, I began PIO injections. After that transfer failed, I followed the same protocol for an ERA to ensure that I had the correct amount of PIO to be receptive to an embryo. I am now currently on my second FET prep, and since my ERA came back “receptive,” I am following the same protocol.
Describe your experience with the nursing staff at IVF Florida.
The nursing staff is what makes this clinic what it is. They are on their A game to ensure that you know what you are doing every step of the way. They are compassionate, even when it is difficult. The phlebotomist is my absolute favorite. She’s so sweet and has such a positive aura. And hugs all her patients upon arrival. This journey stinks, but the nurses make it easier.
Describe your experience with IVF Florida.
I could not give any negative feedback to this clinic. The nurses, care coordinators, financial consultants, appointment coordinators, and check out ladies make this all such a pleasant experience. As I mentioned, this journey is hard. But knowing and trusting you are in great hands makes it so much easier. On another note, for someone who works full time, this clinic is ideal. They open at 7:45am and if you show up a few minutes before doors open, you’re one of the first to be attended.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Marcelo Barrionuevo at IVF Florida.
Thankfully I had insurance. Without insurance, each FET would have cost about $10,000, not including medications. The Egg Retrival would have cost $6000.
Describe Marcelo Barrionuevo's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at IVF Florida.
My clinic is very against transferring more than one embryo, especially if the patients are under the age of 40 and have good quality embryos. I disagree with this mentality, but trust my doctor and am going with the flow. When a patient has gone through multiple heartbreaks, and is also financially unable to follow through with multiple transfers, sometimes transferring multiples is their final chance - emotionally, physically, and financially.
What specific things went wrong at IVF Florida?
- Failed to convey critical information
Describe the specific things that went wrong at IVF Florida.
I only had one issue - I have moderately high prolactin levels. Throughout my first FET prep, I was informed to take a medication to get it under control. However, after my failed transfer, I was told to stop all medications. I assumed this also included my prolactin medication. A month before my next transfer, I mentioned the prolactin medication to my nurse. She made me feel as it was my fault; but this medication was never included on my chart. Had I not mentioned it, this could have affected my next transfer.
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Doctor
Marcelo Barrionuevo