the Price of a Fertility Doctor

Met with a reproductive endocrinologist based on prior diagnosis of Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome to discuss return of symptoms after having first child. Doctor discussed that this condition will usually get better or worse after a child and if symptoms return quickly they will usually tend to multiply and become more severe. We discussed several options one of which was going back on a medication for the related insulin resistance. I was at the time nursing my first child who was 10 months old and was having much difficulty keeping an ample supply. We both agreed that it would make sense to give up as formula supplementation was the main source of nutrition anyways. He explained that if i did not want any more children it was an option to have a complete hysterectomy as hormone therapy was sometimes more succesful that trying to fight the conditions effects on the body. I could definetely say I did want more children. The doctor then suggested that we start to try immediately as the body is more fertile within the time after having a baby--the body is in 'baby mode' if you will. After discussing the benefits and risks of having another child is was agreed to start ovulation medication therapy. A follow-up visit was not necessary as became pregnant the month after the visit.

I had been to see a separate office and had the testing done at that office that determined I in fact did have PCOS. When I first visited this current office they had carefully reviewed all of my test results and ordered a sonogram to confirm the exsistence of ovarian cysts. this was done prior to this visit and was over two years ago and therefore was not included in the description of service for this visit. The nursing staff was very courteous and when I called remembered me and my story. I was very impressed with the knowledge and caring nature of even the reception staff. While waiting for the doctor to arrive I was presented with information about my condition and treatment options. This was a wonderful thing as usually a patient is just left sitting in the exam room. I felt very comfortable and knowledgable talking to the doctor especially after I had read that information. The doctor was very warm and while explaining every option didn't make one over the other seem favorable. The options were drastically different depending on whether I wanted more children. This is only recently becoming a better known illness and having a doctor that is truly compassionate and understanding made all the difference. In fact I'll be visiting him again in 2010 to start to try to conceive our third.

I have found that the nursing staff set the tone of the office so I would call and talk to the nursing department about my concerns before making an appointment to see it I thought it would be someplace I would be comfortable with going to.