Sonja Kristiansen

Strength. On time, candid, respectful, truthful, Positive demeanor. As a patient, I was hopeful just like I have with other doctors. But once I step into their clinics, I get this negative vibe that turns me away. With Dr SONJA, I felt welcomed. I felt at home. I never felt like I was wasting my money. I was eager to get the process done. I knew meeting her, she was going to be my last fertility Doctor because I believed I was going to conceive. She has this Positive approach that calms your spirit and mind. Oh she's a good listener. She answers all questions and never rushes you. Weakness. I think she's too good

Be truthful to your Doctor.

First was consultation. Then comes the bloodwork and ultrasound. After which I was put on birth control. Then hormonal stimulations which includes Follistim, ganirelix and menopur followed. I triggered with Ovidrel. My protocol was based on my lab results, work schedule, finances. The rational for her using the medications was due to my health history

They worked with my schedule and was always on time. Gentle approach and explaining the procedure as we went along. I never felt like I was in the dark

The procedure was $5000 Co pay $80 per visit Medications $2600

Per law, she gave us the option of transferring 1 or 2 embryo. It was strictly our decision after she explained the pros and cons of a single and double transfer

Dr. K was prompt for our consultation appointment and explained everything to my husband and I so that we left feeling very knowledgeable about our process going forward. I have loved being her patient.

Go in with all your questions ready and just let her do the talking.

We are in the middle of treatment for Invocell. We have had our consultation, our blood work was taken, my husband has had a semen analysis, and started taking birth control once my cycle started, when I had my sonohysterogram we noticed some spots on my uterine lining could have been "scabbing" from last cycle or could have been submucosal masses (sp). So, we decided to take a cycle off and do some natural remedies to clean out my uterus. Waiting on next cycle to start up again.

IVO cycle: $1850 blood work/testing/semen analysis $5,000 for IVO package and another $750 for second sonohysterogram. No meds covered in any of this cost.

Not sure, I know that she will transfer two, but that is the most she will transfer for me.

Dr. Kristiansen was initially very nice and explained what she thought was best for me. A few months later we returned to her clinic excited to start this journey. It took us a while because we were unsure if this was the route to go and partly because we were not financially ready. Once we came back it was mostly visits with the staff. I saw the doctor for my endometrial biopsy, HSG and egg transfer. Apparently, she was there for the retrieval but I couldnt say for certain since she was late and by then they had already put me under anesthesia. When I woke I only saw the staff once again. It was very frustrating because I felt no genuine care. Once we returned for the egg transfer I was already prepped and on the stirrups. She walks in and doesn’t greet us or say a word. Only gets started on the procedure and mentions I have a perfectly looking uterus and that was all. I mentioned the procedure was very painful and she only says, “almost done”. Her assistant comforted me but that was all. Bone dry. Also worth mentioning, she never ever discussed the appropriate amount of embryos to transfer for me. Granted they gave me a large packet of general information to read, but everyone’s case is different. I had questions but she was never available. Her assistant made recommendations but that was all I had to go by. So I made my own decision. Luckily I had online support groups who helped guide me. Once we received the dreaded call of the negative results it was Dr. kristiansen who called, in which I was surprised. Sadly though, it sounded like another routine call. I went to this doctor because a friend recommended her and she had a successful pregnancy with her. I’m not saying she is a horrible person but if you’re the type of person who needs compassionate care during a stressful and emotional time like this, she is not the doctor for you. I will not return to her but honestly, I don’t think she will ever notice.

Write down all your questions and asks at your consult visit. If you have to annoy the staff with questions then so be it. It is your money (and a lot of it) that you’re forking out. Plus this is no small matter to just wonder about.

Birth control first to regulate the cycle and ovulation. My husband and I were also started on a zpack prophylactically. Then blood work to monitor lining. They started me on lupron, then gonal f and menopur. Finally I had the trigger shot (ovidrel) and progesterone in oil. Valium was given during the Day of the transfer to help relax the uterus. Towards the end of stimulation I was started on estradiol and medrol. Medrol was one of the final pills (suppressant) and it was basically to keep the body from rejecting the embryos.

These appointments were quick and smooth. With an assistant.

This clinic is cheaper than other clinics (also a deciding factor for us) but they don’t offer payment plans or financing like some clinics. They don’t offer samples of medications either. Full payment is due at the time of the first ultrasound, no questions.

This was never discussed with us.

Dr. Sonja is compassionate. She also knows her stuff. So going into treatment, I was afraid of what will happen. I had many questions and suffered from "over social media itis". Basically I had read so many things online and asked so many non-professionals that I made myself dizzy. So it was imperative for me to empty my mind and be able to hear from Dr. Sonja. She gained my trust and took her time to build a rapport with me.

I would tell prospective patients to be open, be calm and know that you are in good hands.

Dr. Sonja recommended Invocell for us, as my tubes are beyond feasible repair. Dr. Sonja also allowed me to determine how much fertility medications.

$7000

Dr. Sonja has a strong preference of no more than 2 to transfer.

The doctor was successful in helping me get pregnant with my first son in 2012, however when we tried again in 2015/2016, I spent 8+ trying and the treatments did change slightly. She did not suggest IVF until after 4-5 unsuccessful attempts at using the medication and intercourse method.

She is nice but you will not see her very often.

I used Gonal F, Menopur and Ovidrel to get pregnant the first time (when I was 34 years old). The second time, I was 38 years old, and we used the same stuff but added the progesterone shots and Estradiol pills.

$7,000 to convert a stimulation cycle into a one-time IVF try. I think I spent at least $3,000-5,000 on medications ahead of time.

She said it was completely my choice. I chose to go with one.

My personal situation was very unconventional. She never made me feel like there was anything wrong with it. She conveyed optimism but was always very factual and very direct/clear. She showed compassion when I had a miscarriage, I don't remember the details as it was an emotional time but I remember my interaction with her always felt good.

I would just say that my experience with her was very good and that I would not hesitate to seek treatment with her again.

The doctor was very detailed and explained risks and plans to the T. She communicates very well. You can also see the compassion she expresses and the care and need for her patients. She also explains the treatment with understanding of the patient.

Definitely, ask all the questions you can think of.

We are still early in the process but I can always rate and review this later.

Invocell IVF no insurance we are looking at about $12,000.00

The doctor did explain that it was better for one embryo transfer due to our situation. We definitely have twin Genes and implanting 2 embryos was not an option for my wife and I.

I thought that she was very nice, but I only saw her 3 times. 1 for my initial consultation, 2 at my egg retrieval & 3 the day she let me go as a patient. I feel that she was very knowledgeable, but it was frustrating that she told me that she couldn't get me pregnant, without giving me an option to use donor eggs.

Ask a ton of questions.

$20,000 ballpark

She was kind, caring, informed and answered the questions I have before I asked them! I felt comfortable with her and they told me to ask any questions I have. I had questions later and emailed and received a response same day.

Schedule with her she’s amazing!

Invocell is the route we will be taking with the option of PGS.

My copay covered my visit. We will have to pay out of pocket for everything else.

She does multiple transfers.