Columbia Fertility IVF Follow Up Question

[Anonymous]

I did my egg retrieval for my first IVF cycle at Columbia Fertility on Sunday. They called Monday with great info on eggs, fertilization and embryos. They called again today and the only info they provided was that they would do a 5 day transfer. No embryo status updates. I'm a little worried that I should be getting more information.

Anyone have any experience with these status updates? Should I call them back for more information. I feel like I am kind of hanging in the wind, but then again, I guess if they feel confident about a 5 day transfer, the rest isn't terribly important... I don't want to overreact. They've been great thus far. Am I just expecting too much?

Advice please?

[Anonymous]

you'e not expecting too much. you should call them back and ask them how many embryos are there, how they are dividing (how many cells), etc. all these are important questions.

[Anonymous]

I can completely relate! I am 8 wks pregnant after an ivf cycle with CFA. I also did a 5 day transfer. I think
columbia's strategy is less is more when it comes to info. That way you don't obsess over grades of embryos etc. It is the same when you go in for transfer - they may say if the blast is grade 1 or 2 but they don't letter the blasts like some clinics do. Freezing them if you have any is the same -when I asked my RE the grade of what was frozen he just said they were "good" quality. I know it's hard not to know every detail but in the end I was happy knowing as little as I did! It's great you are going fir a 5 day transfer - good luck!!

[Anonymous]

do yourself a favor and insist on the information from them. after i moved on from CFA to another clinic, my new RE reviewed my records from CFA said they had no grading system, just notes from the doctor saying embryos were good to fair. Get a firm and accurate description. It will help later on if this cycle doesn't work and you want to change clinics or try a new protocol.

[Anonymous]

The fact that you are having a 5 day transfer is a good sign. It means your embyro quality is good and that your RE thinks many of them will make it to blast, or if not to blast at least enough to wait until day 5. Personally, I didn't care about knowing the "grade" of my embryos because it varies per cycle anyway. All I cared about is if they were continuing to progress or slowing down. But CFA was always very accomodating with my questions.

[Anonymous]

I find they take a somewhat paternalistic approach to volunteering information. They will not give much information unless you ask. But if you do specifically request the information they will provide it.

[Anonymous]

14:44 here again. Another thing that may help you as you wait until transfer and during the 2ww, instead of analyzing and obsessing over the grades of what you put back in, you should save all of that to discuss with your RE if the cycle doesn't work. I think it is a waste of time to worry about it all, because I did alot of that and then my cycle worked out just fine. And I wasn't putting back perfect grade blasts on day 5. I just decided part way through my 2ww that I would ask my RE all about the embryo details if this didn't work, and knowing ahead of time really won't provide you much. They are the professionals and are trained to know more than you - so just go ahead and trust them, as hard as that may seem! GL!

[Anonymous]

Here is my recent problem with Columbia Fertility. Just had my first failed IVF. Told over the phone that I was scheduled for a 3dt. I was upset since most of the medical journals recommend 5dt. 2 embryos transferred. When I asked about quality, told they were "good." When we asked why they are not waiting to do 5 day transfer, RE got a little defensive. Go forward since we are there. A few days later, I receive a call that they were able to freeze one embryo. When I asked if it was a blast and what was the quality, she said she didn't know and would call me back. Never called me back. Are you kidding me?? Why would I spend a few thousand dollars to freeze an egg if it couldn't make it to 5 day blast and is not a good quality.... Love the customer service at this place.....

[Anonymous]

PP, which RE do you see there? That report makes me nervous as I'm starting the IVF process in a couple of weeks.

[Anonymous]

I am a former patient of Dr. Sacks, and while they may not have a grading system, there are very detailed notes on the condition of the embryos at the various stages. I have actually sat down with Dr. Sacks and looked over the sheets from my cycles when we were deciding what to do regarding a FET. Personally, I felt that was way more helpful then just being given a grade.

To the original poster, I know it is hard, but try not to stress too much over the current state of your embryos. If you did not have a number of good ones left, they would not push you to a day 5. What is going to matter more is what they look like when you go to transfer. I know the waiting is hard, hang in there!

[Anonymous]

At Columbia, I always got prompt answers (via email or phone) to all of my questions-before, during, after cycle.)