How was your experience with Steven Brenner at RMA Long Island IVF (formerly Long Island IVF)?
I feel that Dr. Brenner is a true professional. His experience, knowledge and desire to help those of us who are unable to conceive on their own is a true blessing and gift. During our visit he discussed the clinical results and offered us his professional opinion of our current situation and what we should do if we wanted to continue with treatment. We needed a doctor who was going to be straight forward, making sure all options were explored and explained so we could make a decision on what our next steps should be and/or to be comfortable with the possibility of an "only option".
What's one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Steven Brenner at RMA Long Island IVF (formerly Long Island IVF)?
Trust Dr. Brenner and have faith.
During treatment, were you treated like a number or a human with Steven Brenner at RMA Long Island IVF (formerly Long Island IVF)?
Dr. Brenner is a kind man, he approached my situation with sensitivity and candor, which I truly appreciate.
Describe the protocols Steven Brenner used in your cycles at RMA Long Island IVF (formerly Long Island IVF) and their degree of success.
It was explained by Dr. Brenner that donor egg was our only option at this point. When treatment began we did all the necessary blood screenings, physical evaluation and testing, we where evaluated by a psychologist and assigned a RN who monitored our treatment and find us a donor if we could not find one on our own. A year after treatment began, a donor was found whom we were comfortable with and preparation for transfer began. Blood screening was continued, when my last menstrual cycleI began I was put in a protocol of estogen and baby asprin. Eventually I was put on progesterone and oil and had to take Medrol and Doxycycline for 5 days which started pre transfer and ended the after transfer. My husband produce seman specimen to be frozen, just in case the day of he was able to. We had 7 eggs, my husband was able to produce a fresh specimen on the day the eggs were to be thawed and ICSI was used to fertilize the eggs. Only 5 eggs fertilized and on day 3, post fertilization, 2 embryos were transferred. We were told 3 days later that the 3 remaining eggs did not make it to day 5. My medication protocol continued with estrogen, baby asprin and progesterone and oil. Day 10 post transfer we had a positive pregnancy test. The same medication protocol continued and blood screenings to evaluate levels. I was told by Dr. Brenner on my second HcG blood test that the levels were normal but on the low end, but that didn't mean I couldn'thave a normal pregnancy. The same continued on the following HcG test. The first sonogram showed a small embryo, Dr. Brenner said they like to see it bigger, but they would continue monitoring. The next sono was with Dr. Kreiner an associate, he stated the same and added that he could not determine if there was a sack or not. 6+ weeks post transfer sonogram with another associate Dr. Zinger showed no development in the fetus. Dr. Zinger and the RN were very consoling as the devastating news was delivered. Dr. Zinger discusses the options of letting a miscarriage happen on it's own or have a DNC. I said I would like to discuss that with Dr. Brenner, he understood. Dr. Brenner called that evening, offering his condolences, at that point my husband and I had already decided on the DNC because I couldn't put myself through expecting a miscarriage, that would have been to much for me to bare. The DNC was scheduled 2 days later and Dr. Brenner preformed the surgery. The tissue was taking to have genetic testing done. Dr. Brenner had me continue taking the estogen for 2 weeks post surgery, stating it would help build up the lining of my uterus. Now I am waiting for my menstrual cycle to begin. Dr. Brenner stated I could take medicine for it to come, I declined the medication, I rather it happen on own. Genetic testing is in process.
Describe your experience with your nurse at RMA Long Island IVF (formerly Long Island IVF). (Assigned nurse: Victoria Loveland)
Victoria Loveland is an excellent nurse. She made sure we understood what our treatment entailed from cost to the physical aspect of it all. She always kept in touch throughout the entire process and made sure everything was in order from inception to the surgery. She was extremely sympathetic and supportive when the pregnancy failed. She was there prior to and after the surgery. She is very sweet and incredibly kind. The nursing staff is great and communicative, they made sure I had all the information and guidance I needed throughout my treatment. The RN that was in the room when my husband and I received the devastating news, gave me a hug and was very sympathetic to our situation. All there kindness was very appreciated. They are still in contact with me, they are following through with treatment instructions from Dr. Brenner.
Describe your experience with RMA Long Island IVF (formerly Long Island IVF).
I feel that the doctors and staff are extremely professional and have a great desire to help their patients achieve their dream of becoming parents. The only complaint is my husband didn't feel the the room he was given to produce a specimen in was really a bathroom with a fold out chair. He said he would have liked a more comfortable environment.
Describe the costs associated with your care under Steven Brenner at RMA Long Island IVF (formerly Long Island IVF).
Our medical insurance does not cover IVF treatment, it will only cover treatment prior to treatment and post treatment if pregnancy occurs.
Describe Steven Brenner's approach to eSET (elective single embryo transfer) vs. multiple embryo transfer at RMA Long Island IVF (formerly Long Island IVF).
Due to my age, they ( the facility, doctors) only allow up to 2 embryos to be transferred at a single time.