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Reproductive Endocrinologist Recommendations & Laparoscopy Question
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Anonymous
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Been to Widra and Osborne at Shady Grove for baby no. 1. Dr. Sacks at Columbia for no. 2. Sacks is head and shoulders above the two we saw at SG. SG never diagnosed the problem, though we just lucked out getting pregnant. Sacks took time, diagnosed and solved problem. Plus, he is easily the most personable doctor I have ever dealt with--wish he could be my GP or OB he is so easy to talk to/deal with. Lots of people talk about the SG lab as being so great. We had a sophisticated issue and Columbia worked out on first try.
Also, don't be so reluctant to go for IVF right away. Having done both routes, I can tell you that the worst thing is the hormone shots, not the procedures. And, with IVF, you really can learn what the problem is, whereas with IUI it's a crap shoot. |
Anonymous
Agree totally. Loved Sacks, didn't lke SG at all. I felt very manipulated at SG. |
Anonymous
| I hate to pile on, but I also had a mediocre experience at Shady Grove and in general have been happier with Dr Sacks at Columbia. Columbia is perhaps not as "organized" as Shady Grove, but they're also more flexible, which works better for me. |
Anonymous
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I currently use Dominion Fertility in Arlington, VA. I really like the practice as it is a little smaller but good success rates. I see Dr. Dimattina, but if you would need someone that does more hand holding I would recommend Dr. Gordon in the same office. The entire team meets up everyday to discuss their current patients b/w and u/s in order to come up with a concensus that all members are comfortable with.
Good Luck! |
Anonymous
| OP here again - thanks so much for all of the information. I feel like I can only handle a choice between two doctors at this point so I've scheduled appointments with Dr. Widra and Dr. Sacks - I see both of them in two weeks. It amazes me that folks have such different opinions about Shady Grove and Columbia - both borne out here and in the archives - and I hope that I can make the right choice for myself after meeting them both. Thanks again - and hopefully I will like one of the two! |
Anonymous
| Just to reassure you, I think both are really good choices and you won't go wrong. That said, be proactive in your treatment, and if you feel like you're not being well served, then look into other options. |
Anonymous
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Another vote for Drs. DiMattina and Gordon in Arlington, especially given that you live there. Hopefully you will not have a long relationship with whoever you choose, but just in case, it's really handy not to have too major of a trip to see him or her. And to me, it's better to be near home than work, given that sometimes you miss work for appointments. They are fantastic, the post about them being smaller is correct -- that translates into very personal service. Their success rates are high, as many of the other recommended offices are too.
Good luck -- IF is not fun, but it does end. I'm a mother today, and Drs. DiMattina and Gordon and their staff are a big part of the reason why -- medically and emotionally. |
Anonymous
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Whatever you do, do not see Dr. DiMattina. He is perhaps one of the most condescending and rude physicians (and people in general) that I've ever met. I felt like he was trying to sell me a used car and not infertility treatment.
We went running to Shady Grove and never looked back. |
Anonymous
Actually the worst is not just the shots which leave painful lumps on you bums but OHSS, which I currently have from IVF and had a 2nd fluid aspiration, 2L then 1.5 L. IVF works, we're 4wks preg but consider all the options. |
Anonymous
Are they the RE from Dominion Fertility? |
Anonymous
GL. One of the reasons I went to SG is b/c during this whole process, you'll see many different physicians but they all follow the same protocol so you don't have to worry having to worry if the covering doc knows the plan etc. They all access a computerized system so they have all your data from any of their offices. |
Anonymous
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Ultimately, there are several excellent clinics around here, unlike most parts of the US. We talked about moving back to my hometown a few years ago, I am so glad we didn't-- there are only two clinics in the entire state. Here I think I have 3 within a 10 minute drive and 2-3 others within 30 minutes.
We are incredbily lucky to live in this area and have access to so many reknown REs. You just need to figure out where you best fit and you are clearly on your way to doing that. Good luck! |
Anonymous
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I would NOT recommend GW Fertility (we had Dr. Gindoff).
Here is our experience at GW: * The clinic is run more like a business instead of a doctor's office. * We attended a class, but felt afterwards that it's purpose was to extract a down payment from patients. * Unlike fertility clinics in the suburbs, the staff at GW fertility are not friendly and often do not return phone calls. * For morning monitoring, they herd you into the exam room like a cattle. * The waiting room is tiny, so the waiting line extends out to the hall. * Some nurses seem incompetent.. so, it's kind of scary when they are sticking you with a needle every morning. * Even the location. Getting into the city for 730am monitoring was hard. * And they don't validate parking, and underground parking is expensive. The whole experience was not good. We did one IVF cylcle. It was unsuccessful. We decided to look else where. We visited other clinics and decided on Shady Grove Fertility. Our experience there was very good. * The staff were friendly and the doctors and medical staff were competent. * They have several locations in VA & MD, so you can see different doctors and the appointments are less ridgid. * Unlike at GW, Shady Grove recommended against transferring multiple embyros because multiple births are very risky. * We noticed that during the embryo transfer, the lab technician brought in the embryo and checked my name on the wrist band before handing it to the doctor. After the transfer, the lab technician checks the container to make sure it is empty. And came back to tell us. We did not see this at GW. * I got pregnant on the first try. It was a great experience. Our daughter is now 4 months old. |
Anonymous
Yes, there are REs from Dominion Fertility -- and another vote for them here as well  The practice is just wonderful! I've seen Dr. Gordon, and now on my second pregnancy Highly recommend him. I mostly was surprised how available they are -- I always was able to get appointments on the days I needed! And the nurses are great as well!
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Anonymous
| I also wanted to give positive feedback about Dominion Fertility. Dr. Gordon was my RE and it was a rare occurrence when he did not perform my monitoring u/s. In now way did he push IVF. My successful cycle was Clomid/Gonal-F/IUI. My DS is now 14 months old. The nurses are wonderful and very responsive. Good luck! |