Mika Thomas

Dr. Thomas was very sensitive in her delivery when she told me she thinks I have borderline DOR. I’ve always suspected egg quality was the issue why we aren’t conceiving, and she suspects the same. Reading my health history, she also called in a mammogram since it’s been 2 years since my last one. This is in my records for every dr. I see, but she’s the only one to action an updated test.

Send your test results in beforehand so she knows what she’s working with. Come prepared with questions, and take lots of notes.

I’m just starting my first IUI cycle, and Dr. Thomas has me on 5mg Letrozole CD3-7, 75 units of gonal F CD5-8, and ultrasound on CD9 to determine if I need more stimulation or am ready to trigger.

Dr. Thomas personally went to the front desk and asked for my insurance coverage benefits. I was not even charged a specialist visit copay for my initial consultation and ultrasound. I asked if that was a mistake, and the front desk receptionist said I would owe at my CD9 ultrasound.

I can be described as very impatient. I was positive we would be successful on our first try and once we were on our third IUI, I was pretty upset. She quickly met with me to discuss my concerns and offered alternative supplements to take. She always made I was comfortable during the IUI and always had a positive attitude.

Speak up with questions

Our infertility was male factor and we were using donor sperm, there was nothing to indicate I'd have issues getting pregnant. We started with an HSG and blood test and everything came back normal. First treatment was Clomid only. I had great follicle growth and progesterone levels after the IUI. After my period came three days early, she added progesterone suppositories after each IUI. Second IUI was also clomid only with progesterone after ovulation. Third IUI was Clomid with Gonal F and progesterone after ovulation. Fourth IUI was Clomid with Gonal F. When I had slow follicle growth, she added days of Gonal and then progesterone after ovulation. Fourth IUI was successful.

Procedures, donor sperm thawing, follicular ultrasounds, bloodwork

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Dr. Thomas is very honest, which can be a good thing. She sees things from a science perspective, which I guess she is trained to do. During my first cycle, she tried letrozole, it didn't work well, so we added more and changed my treatment each cycle. I felt like we were always trying something new, which was nice on one hand but why didn't we try that in the beginning? I am frustrated 'new' ideas were coming out every month, but nothing about my cycles really ever changed.

Do your own research. Ask about trying things you've read about or heard your friends try. Challenge her to mix up the treatment cycles.

I only taken letrozole for oral meds, first starting with 2.5 mg then up to 5 mg. I only grew one follicle with letrozole each cycle (5). After insisting we try something more aggressive to get more than one follicle, she added gonal-f. My first cycle on gonal-f +letrozole was pretty low dose, and again resulted in one follicle. My second cycle on gonal-f +letrozole was more than double the dosage than the first but again resulted in one follicle.

My office visits and procedures were covered by insurance. I paid for shots out of pocket.

Dr. Thomas is an outstanding doctor. She regularly called to check on me and made me feel as though I was heard. My husband and I, even after going through fertility treatments for almost 2 years now, ask a ton of questions and she is always so patient and through when answering. She always wants to make sure that you are comfortable with your plan of care and that you completely understand what will be happening throughout your cycle.

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as needed about your cycle/plan of care. She is wonderful about making you comfortable with everything that you will go through.

For my first round of IVF that was canceled due to low follicular development, we did an Antogonist protocol with BC pills for priming. We all decided after this round that I would not take BC pills again because of my poor response. For the next two rounds of IVF, I did estrogen priming and micro-flare protocols with the highest amount of Follestim and Menopur possible. I had a great response to this protocol, considering my AMH level, and ended up with 7 eggs each cycle. For my most recent round of IVF, we did the same protocol as before, but added in HGH and a steroid. I ended up having poor follicular response and converted to an IUI.

Since my embryo quality was not great, Dr. Thomas opted to transfer two embryos for each of my fresh, day 3 transfers.

Dr Thomas was very inviting and friendly. She took extra time to get to know us. She went over supplements with us so we could improve egg quality based on our blood labs, that really made a difference.

She gets good eggs. Don’t be afraid to ask her anything!

Agonist protocol, we used this one before and had decent results. This time around we requested hgh be added as well as more menopur and thankfully she agreed. We also wanted a double trigger which she declined. She started me on 150 Gonal, then doubled it in 2 days when there was no response. Ovidrel trigger, cetrotide .25 towards the end. Next time I will expect to start on Gonal 300 right away cause I think that might have been a waste of 2 days and my previous retrieval we started at 300.

Fully covered by United Insurance except for $2000 pgs fee and $800 freezing/storage fee. Maybe $1000 in copays = $3800

I believe she thinks eset is best but I’ve heard anything is possible. I would never want to transfer more than one

Dr Thomas has been wonderful. I had complication related for pelvic infection following an IUI and she immediately met us in the ER, spent over and hour with us helping to determine what our course of action should be. We ultimately decided on emergency exploratory surgery. She performed the surgery herself within a matter of hours. I very much appreciate that she did not leave the ER doc on call to handle our case. We have yet to end up with the desired result we would like (I have a significantly complicated medical history) , but we continue to be hopeful. Dr Thomas has been wonderful throughout this whole process.

I have no advice- but wish you the best of luck.

We did all of the preliminary blood work and imaging to determine if there was a specific cause of infertility. We then started with 3 rounds of only clomid, then 1 rounds of clomid with injectables. Then we moved on for 2 rounds of clomid with injectables and IUI. Each of this cycles were closing monitored by ultrasound for every cycle. I have a history of cysts and there were times that ancycle was simply not variable and we did not treat during that time until the cyst had resolved itself. I felt like I was very much in control of our treatment. We were hesitant to spend considerable amounts of money at first and Dr Thomas was happy to help facilitate whatever we decided.

Most of our treatments have been covered by insurance even though I do not have “fertility” benefits exactly.

Dr. Thomas always provided thorough and up to date information about every detail of the process. I appreciated that she also provided us with copies of the medical journals and research articles she referenced in citing outcomes and statistics. Dr. Thomas was always thorough but she was also warm and caring. She definitely left us feeling that she had individualized the treatment for us rather than using a onesize fits all approach.

Dr. Thomas will listen to you. Speak up if you have a question or concern

At 38 yo with PCOS: We chose to do one cycle of Metformin while we waited for something at work to change which would make it easier for me to do full IVF. We were aware it was unlikely to work and it didn’t, but Dr. Thomas supported us in not wanting to “waste” that month. After that, we went straight to IVF because we knew we wanted more than one child and I was 38.5. We knew if IUI worked, we would likely be about 40 by the time we could try again and by then my egg quality would be significantly worse. We did 2 egg retrievals as follows: ER #1: Stimmed on very low doses due to my PCOS and saw significant response early. Used Follistim, Menopur, and eventually Ganirelix. Kept the doses low and was checked regularly. At egg retrieval, we got 33 eggs. Some were very poor quality, which we expected. We asked about ICSI but Dr. Thomas didn’t recommend it and our Fertilization rate of the mature eggs was good. Unfortunately, only 7 made it to day 5 and only 3 of those were PGS normal. We froze all (that was our plan from the start... it was what Hubby and I wanted for family planning purposes but also was Dr. T’s recommendation.) After ER #1, we consulted with Dr. Thomas and she felt our chances of having 2 children with our 3 PGS normal frozen embryos was very good. I was still not ready to let go of the idea of possibily having 3 kids so we decided to do one more ER to Bank a few more embryos for future use. ER #2 We followed a similar protocol as the first time and immediately saw I was responding more strongly this time. We pulled back on the stim meds and planned for a Lupron only trigger shot. Ended up getting 37 eggs that time (again, some very poor quality due to my age and PCOS). In that round we needed up with 2 PGS normal embryos because many came back with a trisomy issue. I recovered well from both ERs and we were thrilled with our results. We did a frozen embryo transfer protocol but I came down with an unrelated illness and we had to call it off. A month later, we started again and did a frozen embryo transfer. Everything looked great and my body responded well, but the embryo didn’t implant. We knew that it wasn’t guaranteed and we also chose to use an embryo that wasn’t the embryologist’s first choice. So, that might have influenced things too. We’re planning to do another FET soon and feel good about our chances with the embryos we have left. We’re very very pleased with the care we received.

Frozen embryo transfer cycle including all lab work, ultrasounds, doctor visits, and the embryo transfer (excluding embryology fees) was prepaid $1500 plus the cost of meds. IVF Lab fees for embryo transfer (thawing embryo, prep of embryos for transfer etc) was $1450 prepaid. The egg retrieval is a little more challenging to price out because I don’t have the paperwork. WITH PGS testing, meds, the surgery, the monitoring, etc etc. I believe we payed somewhere in the neighborhood of $18,000 but a great deal of that was the PGS testing (I think that was maybe $5000 of it?). I’m sorry I can’t remm that part so well. It was a year ago.

Dr. Thomas recommended a single embryo transfer because my body responded well to the FET protocol and because our embryos were PGS tested. She also solicited our thoughts and we were not eager to increase our chances of multiples so we were on the same page.

Dr. Thomas is probably very good at easy and straightforward cases, but our case was a little more complicated. After our first cycle failed to produce multiple embryos, Dr. Thomas switched protocols thinking that would fix all of our issues. While the second cycle produced more eggs, the end result was the exact same as the first protocol. After the two cycles, our conversation with her was that we should consider donors. We felt that there was more testing to do before going down that path and were very disappointed she gave up so early.

If you have a complicated case with multiple issues, I would consider going to a smaller clinic where you will get more personalized care and communication.

I have diminished ovarian reserve and my husband has low sperm volume but the other characteristics are normal. 1st Cycle - BCP, Lupron Flare protocol - 10 eggs, 5 mature, 1 fertilized, 1 embryo (supposed to work well for DOR patients, but I developed a lead follicle which resulted in the others not catching up; also the BCP over-suppressed my system) 2nd Cycle - Estrogen Priming, Antagonist protocol - 20 eggs, 12 mature, 3 fertilized, 1 embryo (Estrogen priming helps prevent a lead follicle and helps to produce more eggs) PGS testing on both embryos, and both genetically abnormal

Approximately $15K per cycle, including ICSI, embryo freezing, and biopsy for PGS

Dr. Thomas prefers eSET if there is a genetically normal embryo, which makes sense to me.

Dr Thomas was very alert and interested in our story from the first consultation. Although she didn't seem to write much information/history down, she could summarize everything in great detail at the end of the consult. She was very humble by sharing what worked for her conception and very professional at all times. She was strictly business, no emotional therapy given, which may not work for some people. Since I am in the medical field, I greatly appreciated the medical jargon and non-emotion consultation to decide the best plan of care. She has not once recommended we jump straight to IVF, instead recommending more cost-effective therapies for a few months. I highly recommend her to others who may been seeking this type of RE.

I would say they should be aware that Dr. Thomas closely monitors you during your treatment so expect to be monitored, have labs drawn, have consultations frequently.

Letrazole 2.5mg x 5 days CD 5-9 for 3-4 months

I have been able to bill majority of my treatment through insurance besides some of the medications. When comparing IUI/IVF treatments, this group has competitive pricing with others in the area.

This practice is very busy and centered around seeing as many patients as possible vs patient care. Sonographers did all of my ultrasounds. Dr Thomas frequently didn't communicate changes in protocol to nurses so I was constantly having to advocate for myself and ask about medications Dr Thomas wanted me to take. I reminded Dr Thomas every single IUI that I spotted and she would need to have me on progesterone, yet each time she forgot and I had to ask about it. Dr Thomas was frequently distracted when we had consultations and was often being paged.

I would get opinions from several clinics and also ask how involved Dr Thomas will actually be involved in patient care vs sonographers. Ask about her communication of protocol changes to nurses.

2 IUIs with femera, 1 with injectables. No pregnancy. Multiple ultrasounds because she frequently thought something was wrong with my uterus but never found anything.

about $1k/IUI

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Dr. Thomas is very compassionate and patient. I was not expecting to be diagnosed with DOR. I had a fibroid that my gyno said an RE may want to take out, so I was expecting to hear only that. I started crying in the office when she told me my diagnosis and she gave me a hug and made me feel like there was hope.

Come with lots of questions and don’t be afraid to ask for clarification.

We haven’t started treatment yet. I was diagnosed in September 2018. I had to have a fibroid removed before starting treatment. We will begin with an IUI with injectables in December after I’ve healed. If a few rounds of IUI don’t work, we will move forward with IVF.

The cost for IVF was reasonable for what I’ve heard about other clinics. For IVF with fresh transfer (no ICSI or testing) it is about $9K. My IUI will be about $800 including meds.

She said she would transfer 2 embryos once we get to that point. We do not have issues with having twins.

If possible, she cares too much about her patients. It can sometimes cause her to run behind but when you need the extra time, she is always there for you. I had an issue with her nurse and she personally called me to discuss what happened and our next treatment plan. She is an amazing person and doctor

Educate yourself so you can ask educated questions

We did a quick start cycle because I can't take birth control pills. She managed the increase in meds accordingly and we had a great outcome

I hav insurance coverage so I only had to pay my coinsurance. I do know they were willing to work with me and my insurance to ensure coverage

I had 4 good quality embryos on transfer day. I wanted to transfer 2 and was very upset that the embryologist said only 1. Dr Thomas came to explain why she felt that 1 was the best option for me, given we were doing a fresh transfer, good quality embryos, and my age. I listened to her and am happy that I did, as our fresh transfer resulted in a healthy singleton

I found her to be very knowledgeable. She had a warm and kind manner, but she also seemed to have a sense of humor. I felt she was trustworthy and honest about our treatment and her recommendations. I felt she took the necessary steps to test and review our fertility situation and make recommendations that felt comfortable to us. There was no pressure to do anything we were uncomfortable with at any time.

Follow her advice and don't wait to move forward with treatment.

After initial tests and scans she first recommended starting with medication. Chlomid had not worked for me so she recommended using Letrozole. After that did not work on it's own we upped the dose and added Ovidrel. We had one failed IUI. We were repeating the treatment, but were out of town when the IUI would need to happen and we ended up conceiving without it.

Insurance covered some but not all

I felt very comfortable with dr. Thomas throughout the cycle in which we conceived our daughter. She took time to listen to all concerns and questions and changed the plan when needed. Our cycle did not go as planned but she quickly discussed other options with us which ended up resulting in our baby.

Don’t be scared off by her medical assistant.

The clinic cost was around 10000 and around 6000 for meds. I was taking omnitrope shots which is why my meds were so expensive.

Because we didn’t have children and we were okay with having twins, Dr Thomas recommended we transfer two embryos.

Smart, rational yet caring and compassionate. Very warm bedside manner. Trustworthy. Cares for emotions and works with each patient to do what is best for them. Specializes in creating a plan of care that best suits her patients.

Trust her as a medical professional who has done many years of study and research, do not rely on your own google searches and diagnosis.

IUI $200

I had a strong preference for single embryo transfer as a NICU nurse. Dr. Thomas recommend it as well however did let us decide in the end after giving us the pros and cons of each method.

Loved my time with her. She has always taken the time to make sure we understand our options and is always willing to take any time needed to answer the questions that we have. She is very open and honest regarding the options you have, and will help you make those tough choices. She is very thorough with all of the testing and procedures to find an answer and/or treatment.

Trust that she is doing everything to help you become pregnant.

My IUI's were not covered under insurance and cost around $500.

She is extremely compassionate and solutions- oriented. She has been a Godsend after my first experience with a RE who had terrible bedside manner. I've been through two cycles with her, and the second cycle her adjustments resulted in a considerable increase in both eggs retrieved and embryos at the blastocyst stage.

Make follow up appointments to speak with her - don't miss the opportunity and only work with the nurses

First cycle - full stim IVF with 75/day Menopur and 300/day Gonal F - resulted in 3 eggs and one blastocyst Second cycle - mini IVF with Clomid, 75/day menopur and 100-150/day Gonal F - resulted in 5 eggs and two blastocysts

$9000 for full stim cycle $7000 for mini IVF

Dr Thomas is an outstanding professional who communicated very clearly information, risks, and benchmarks. She allowed time for any questions I had and was very interested in my state of mind and overall well being throughout. I appreciate her candid, straight forward approach.

Don't hold back with questions or concerns, and don't hesitate to contact her with additional questions or concerns.

I can't say enough good things about her. Because of her I have my son after 12 yrs of trying. I've referred several people to her and they've had success as well.

Be patient and trust her course if action.

I don't have a negative comment. Dr Thomas makes an anxiety-prone process as simple and comforting as possible. She treats you like a long time friend and always had a plan ready.

Fertility treatment in general is a process that takes commitment and pateince.

She is a patient and warm hearted person. She understands my pain. She has never treated me as another patient. She always has positivity filled with her. Everytime I am down she pulls me up and says come on we can do it.

Be open to her. Abt ur medical, physical and financial needs. She will find a way to guide u.

I did 3 clomid cycles, 3iui, 3hormone injection,1 ivf and several cycles naturally. Everything was a negative, except one which was a miracle. For me my medication always works as the doctor expects, it always does not mess up. But I dont get a positive. I have never got a reason as why. Everytime i hear is with pcos that's how it will be. So I really dont know wat my problem is.. other than pcos.

The cost is a bit more u think. But very understanding in payment. They also have a payment plan.

We had several embryos but only 2 made for the 3rd day. So doctor suggested two is like giving out best choice. Plus I trust her so I also felt it was the right thing to do.

Dr Thomas didnt seem to just want me to have IVF treatment for the money. She explained to me the different type of procedures that met my needs and just seem to be very caring. I just couldn't afford IVF but if I could she would be the dr I trust to do it. She seem very genuine as well.

Go in with a open mind and you are in good hands.

I just remember she recommended that I try iui or IVF.

My insurance charges Dr. Thomas off as a specialist which is covered. But my insurance will not cover the IVF part. I have pcos but I guess it doesn't matter.

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