When to go to the big name out-of-town clinics?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To 21:38... I have never heard of that issue or that test. I, too, am dealing with implantation problems and am so frustrated at the lack of response from my doctor. Can I ask, what is the name of that protein and test?

The protein is called Beta-3 Integrin. Here's a link to the company that did my test:

http://www.etegritytest.com/index.php

There's also a doctor at Yale (Harvey Kliman) who will work with your RE to do a similar, but more comprehensive test that he developed. Here's a link to his information:

http://www.med.yale.edu/obgyn/kliman/infertility/dx/diagwelcome.html

If you're having implantation problems, I'd also look into immune testing (NK cells). I was unlucky enough to have both problems. My NK cells are elevated AND I lack the beta 3 integrin protein. The only doctor I've found who was willing to treat both issues is Dr. Tortoriello at SIRM-NYC. If you're considering going out of town, he is excellent and his bedside manner is great as well.

One of the things I've found is that most RE's tend to over-focus on egg quality (and to a lesser extent, sperm issues). If IVF isn't working for you, it must be because the embryos were bad. Getting doctors to actually consider the possibility of implantation problems is like pulling teeth. I just don't get this and I think it does patients a real disservice.

[Anonymous]

i did a phone consult with ccrm (schoolcraft) and was extremely glad that i did. i sent him all my records first so it takes a little while. besides doing more thorough testing of less common impediments to fertility to address "unexplained infertility" issues, he also stressed how great their lab was as a reason why they are so successful.