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OP - I was in an indentical situation to yours. I have endo, had a long struggle for #1 and an even longer struggle with secondary infertility. I conceived #1 after a lap and #2 through Lalwani at GW. While you wait to get in with the REs, you may want to see a pelvic pain specialist at GW (Gaba or Marfori) - they can order all your fertility testing, including HSG (diagnosed my problems the first time around) and will have a great sense of what you can try before jumping into IUI or IVF. Then use the REs for your actual intervention.
I was hesitant about Lalwani as well, FWIW, but found her to be wonderful. Got pregnant my first cycle with her. I have heard that Dr. F is amazing for complicated cases and unknowns, but I think endo is fairly straightforward as far as IF goes. |
| I saw dr lalwani and liked her and felt like she helped me come to a good decision about how to proceed. I ended up seeing dr frankfurter for some monitoring and humm for the actual ivf procedures. I agree that they work as a group bc as I was not responding well initially they mentioned discussing my case as a group and making tweaks. I had my initial work up in June and cycled in October but I needed a procedure done based on what was found in my work up. I don't feel like there were any unnecessary delays. Despite low egg reserve and what seemed like a poor response, I got pregnant the first cycle. They said all along they were going for quality vs quantity and I shouldn't stress the #s and they were right, so obviously I would recommend them highly based on my experience. |
I second this. Go and have preliminary tests (things mentioned above) before meeting with RE. And, potentially, it may be easier for Dr. F or other REs at GW to see the results of your tests if you went to see the Doctors at GW as well. For me and DH, we specifically made our conscious decision to see primary doctor/specialist at GW, so the tests data are conveniently available to RE. |
| I have found so far that GW takes forever. I'm a new patient there, one month so far. I transferred from Shady Grove. So far I am not happy at all with GW. I loved Dr. Frankfurter in my initial appointment and I'm staying there for him and only him so far. But my nurse is terrible, and the whole morning monitoring situation is just stupid. No appointments, it's first come-first serve (which isn't that terrible, I guess), but then instead of sitting comfortably and waiting for your name to be called for bloodwork like a normal doctor's office, you have to line up and stand against a wall. So stupid! I digress. Anyway, Dr. F ordered repeat testing of most of my initial fertility tests as I started this process over 2 years ago. They found that my hormones are off- my progesterone is elevated when it shouldn't be, etc. I have been testing for 4 weeks with no resolution and no plan. Finally today my nurse told me to schedule a follow-up with my dr when I asked her what in the world was going on, was there a plan, when could I get started, etc. All she said was "I'm not a doctor, schedule with him." So I called and it's a month to get in with Dr. F. I find this ridiculous as an existing patient. One month just to be able to ask my dr some questions? Not happy there at all. But I think of the three drs, Dr. F is the best. |
| I love Dr. Frankfurter. I am not a huge Lawani fan. Dr. Humm is WONDERFUL and I would absolutely see her as well (I was a Dr. F patient but you get monitoring with all three). |
Dr F's patient here. I love Dr Humm for monitoring, she's wonderful. She takes the time to explain the US and what she sees and she has great bed manner and answer any questions you have. Overall she's great. |
Yup. Although you always know when it's Dr. Humm's week because monitoring takes twice as long
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I have Dr. F and have since Gindoff left. I think he's got great bedside manner, very easy to chat with, and very thorough. I think he doesn't want to bombard patients with too much technical information so unless you probe, he won't get into too much of the details. I've also worked with Dr. Lalwani and Dr. Humm on lesser occassions (monitoring, transfer) and I think theyre great too. I doubt it's just me, but I've never felt like one was any less knowledgeable than any other because they are a team and information is shared across. Although, Dr. F is the Medical Director so he's the lead and I think he's most active in research studies and1 other things that pull him away from the office.
The long wait to see him does suck, but it's never been a deal breaker for me. I just plan ahead. I like the am monitoring and think appts would be a huge waste of time. First come first served means those who know they absolutely need to be there early are there early. I'm there by 7 and have always been out by 710/715. |
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I'm a Dr. F patient and like him a lot. That said, I sometimes wish I had Dr. Humm. She's great at explaining things, keeping you informed, etc. Whenever she does monitoring, it takes twice as long, but it's so worth it--I always leave with more knowledge! Dr. F chit chats during monitoring, but sometimes I wish he talked more about the plan to get me preggers and less about baseball (though I do appreciate that he's so friendly)!
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LOL! During my second transfer, my husband and Dr. F discussed baseball THE ENTIRE TIME. Literally. I was like...hello? I think it's his diversion tactic to try to put people at ease. |
Humm no question! She's fantastic! I've heard great things about Frankfurter but the wait is always soo long to get in with him. I'm not getting any younger
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