Bad Experience at Shady Grove Fairfax

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We had 11 eggs at SGF and none fertilized? Second round at Dominion and we had 13 eggs and 9 fertilized, 7 made it to blasts and were biopsied.

Can you share more about this experience? Did you have a different protocol between the two places? How many cycles did you do at each?

[Anonymous]

I am very sorry to hear about your experience. I recently went through the process at SGF recently, though at another location. I agree that it can seem like a mill given the number of patients, and we have never really gotten accurate accounting from their finance department (sometimes it seemed like we still owed money, and other times like we were credited through insurance - I am just waiting for the final, final bill before paying). Having to go through IVF is already a tough enough situation without feeling like there isn't enough communication or support. I did not receive information about the egg retrieval until the day of or the day before the trigger shot. Even then, I was extremely anxious the first time I went through retrieval. Hopefully the nurses provided that information to you, as it seems like you are close to your egg retrieval date.

I am a strong proponent in doing your own research, keeping track of what happens at each visit, and asking lots of questions of whichever nurse or technician is doing your procedure/monitoring. In your case, I would ask for an appointment with your RE to discuss whether there may be any anatomical issues, as others have suggested. This is useful information for the future in case it makes procedures more complicated or causes treatments to more likely to fail. It could be that the technician needs better training - the office needs to know that as well. I would also recommend taking someone with you to your visits, even monitoring if possible at least some of the time. It is hard to be the patient and have to advocate on your own behalf while laying back in stirrups. Having someone there can provide support during the visits, take notes, and ask questions that we may forget or may be embarrassed to ask, like "is this a normal part of the process?" or "am I a candidate for developing OHSS, or what are the symptoms of OHSS?" All of these are also questions that you can ask your nurse when she calls with the monitoring report, or via email. Since your nurse is the one the provides the primary communication, if you are not satisfied with her, you should ask to change.

I wish the medical industry were different.

Wishing you success on your cycle...

[Anonymous]

I'm at the Fairfax location also, I've never experience anything close to what you describe. So far I've done 3 IUI and 2 IVF's cycles. I think your problem might be your nurse. I've heard horrible stories about nurses not following up and wrong instructions. I'm glad my nurse has been super helpful but I did have a nurse leave midcycle which was a little worrisome. So far I've had no issues with Dr Levens.....I adore him and his nurse Mary. I would talk to the office manager and explain your issues from what I've heard SGF is not a hand-holding kind of place but in my personal opinion they are great. I'm going in tomorrow for beta and if things go well hopefully hold my baby in 8 months.

[Anonymous]

It does feel like a factory, they are very busy and the finance department is horrible. But I can tell you from experience, the bottom line is the result. They have the best success rates in the region for a reason. You are in good hands and have the best chance of having your miracle baby with them. I did! Trust their process and have faith.

[Anonymous]

Was at Shady Grove Fairfax in 2016. They were WONDERFUL! It took several Elective frozen single embryo transfers. With our last embryo we ended up with spontaneous identical twins! I participated in the support groups and found those helpful. With previous cycles we went to Columbia SG and Rockville. Don’t remember many details but I do remember how they made me feel as a patient and that was supported!

[Anonymous]

I’ve had a bad experience with SGF and have just finally got around to switching after years there. I’m sorry it took me that long but that’s just what it took me to get back out there and make the move.

Aside from the standard hsg and bloodwork there has been no interest in further exploring my infertility. I have expressed numerous times over the years wanting to try certain things and have been pushed back on each time that there is no issue. After being diagnosed with secondary infertility after the first year the approach felt like a wait and see as I move through IUI and get to IVF.

In year 2 I had an ectopic pregnancy. I called in at 4 weeks (not knowing I had an ectopic but feeling very off and having symptoms that I later learned are very standard for an ectopic). Their response was focused on my relaxing and staying calm, that “every pregnancy is different”. I pushed back and was allowed in for daily bloodwork and put on progesterone. 3 weeks later I ended up needing an emergency procedure for the ectopic. During those 3 weeks I was constantly on them about what else they could do, something not feeling right etc... it was ridiculous. They did not take my concerns seriously.

I have sooo many other examples over the years but won’t go into them here.

I think SGF might be best if the sole focus is IVF. But I think for patients who are genuinely interested in exploring their infertility before IVF, beyond the standard couple of screenings, then this is not the best place. Too big and there is a lack of curiosity around any issue that might go off protocol. I will say everyone has always been responsive and polite. No billing issues. They really seem to have their system down pat. Everything clean, very good offices, good nurses, receptionist. All that structural stuff that is important too.

For years I made the false assumption that this is just what it was like and honestly I was overwhelmed. But now that I’ve spoken to an RE at another practice. Not only are they now addressing the questions I have had for years that SGF would answer with “your tests have all been clear”, which is basically a form of not answering my questions, but the new RE has actually responded with facts that validate my fears and indicate that there are real issues. IMO SGF is way over rated. Yes, I think some people have had great experiences but it is inconsistent. There is a lot of mediocrity too and lack of taking female issues seriously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had a bad experience with SGF and have just finally got around to switching after years there. I’m sorry it took me that long but that’s just what it took me to get back out there and make the move.

Aside from the standard hsg and bloodwork there has been no interest in further exploring my infertility. I have expressed numerous times over the years wanting to try certain things and have been pushed back on each time that there is no issue. After being diagnosed with secondary infertility after the first year the approach felt like a wait and see as I move through IUI and get to IVF.

In year 2 I had an ectopic pregnancy. I called in at 4 weeks (not knowing I had an ectopic but feeling very off and having symptoms that I later learned are very standard for an ectopic). Their response was focused on my relaxing and staying calm, that “every pregnancy is different”. I pushed back and was allowed in for daily bloodwork and put on progesterone. 3 weeks later I ended up needing an emergency procedure for the ectopic. During those 3 weeks I was constantly on them about what else they could do, something not feeling right etc... it was ridiculous. They did not take my concerns seriously.

I have sooo many other examples over the years but won’t go into them here.

I think SGF might be best if the sole focus is IVF. But I think for patients who are genuinely interested in exploring their infertility before IVF, beyond the standard couple of screenings, then this is not the best place. Too big and there is a lack of curiosity around any issue that might go off protocol. I will say everyone has always been responsive and polite. No billing issues. They really seem to have their system down pat. Everything clean, very good offices, good nurses, receptionist. All that structural stuff that is important too.

For years I made the false assumption that this is just what it was like and honestly I was overwhelmed. But now that I’ve spoken to an RE at another practice. Not only are they now addressing the questions I have had for years that SGF would answer with “your tests have all been clear”, which is basically a form of not answering my questions, but the new RE has actually responded with facts that validate my fears and indicate that there are real issues. IMO SGF is way over rated. Yes, I think some people have had great experiences but it is inconsistent. There is a lot of mediocrity too and lack of taking female issues seriously.

*I should note I was diagnosed with unexplained secondary fertility, and that was what I was asking for more help with, the “unexplained” part. For multiple reasons I did not think it was necessarily unexplained. I had other things going on... c-section, scarring, various pains during sex etc... that just made me think there was more to it. Turns out now the new RE does not think it is unexplained infertility at all. There are already 2 tests she thinks should have been completed that not only was I not given at SGF but I didn’t even realize they existed. I am not a doctor and the role of my RE should be to help educate me on my options. Again, I think SGF good for those who know they want to go straight to IVF and are ok with handful of tests and standard IUI protocol. Maybe others would disagree but this is my 2 cents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve had a bad experience with SGF and have just finally got around to switching after years there. I’m sorry it took me that long but that’s just what it took me to get back out there and make the move.

Aside from the standard hsg and bloodwork there has been no interest in further exploring my infertility. I have expressed numerous times over the years wanting to try certain things and have been pushed back on each time that there is no issue. After being diagnosed with secondary infertility after the first year the approach felt like a wait and see as I move through IUI and get to IVF.

In year 2 I had an ectopic pregnancy. I called in at 4 weeks (not knowing I had an ectopic but feeling very off and having symptoms that I later learned are very standard for an ectopic). Their response was focused on my relaxing and staying calm, that “every pregnancy is different”. I pushed back and was allowed in for daily bloodwork and put on progesterone. 3 weeks later I ended up needing an emergency procedure for the ectopic. During those 3 weeks I was constantly on them about what else they could do, something not feeling right etc... it was ridiculous. They did not take my concerns seriously.

I have sooo many other examples over the years but won’t go into them here.

I think SGF might be best if the sole focus is IVF. But I think for patients who are genuinely interested in exploring their infertility before IVF, beyond the standard couple of screenings, then this is not the best place. Too big and there is a lack of curiosity around any issue that might go off protocol. I will say everyone has always been responsive and polite. No billing issues. They really seem to have their system down pat. Everything clean, very good offices, good nurses, receptionist. All that structural stuff that is important too.

For years I made the false assumption that this is just what it was like and honestly I was overwhelmed. But now that I’ve spoken to an RE at another practice. Not only are they now addressing the questions I have had for years that SGF would answer with “your tests have all been clear”, which is basically a form of not answering my questions, but the new RE has actually responded with facts that validate my fears and indicate that there are real issues. IMO SGF is way over rated. Yes, I think some people have had great experiences but it is inconsistent. There is a lot of mediocrity too and lack of taking female issues seriously.

*I should note I was diagnosed with unexplained secondary fertility, and that was what I was asking for more help with, the “unexplained” part. For multiple reasons I did not think it was necessarily unexplained. I had other things going on... c-section, scarring, various pains during sex etc... that just made me think there was more to it. Turns out now the new RE does not think it is unexplained infertility at all. There are already 2 tests she thinks should have been completed that not only was I not given at SGF but I didn’t even realize they existed. I am not a doctor and the role of my RE should be to help educate me on my options. Again, I think SGF good for those who know they want to go straight to IVF and are ok with handful of tests and standard IUI protocol. Maybe others would disagree but this is my 2 cents.

Also, I realize this is a v old thread. To the PP, if you happen to read this, how did things go for you? I hope things worked out. Also, I am sorry if my post offends anyone. I am really not trying to take away from anyone who has had a positive experience at SGF, and I know many people have. I am sharing my experience in case anyone else feels like they are made to feel “crazy” or unjustified in their concerns at SGF, or any other practice for that matter, by doctors who keep saying that their concerns are non issues. If you are concerned hurry and go get a second and third opinion! That it my one regret. I wish I had owned my process with more confidence and research earlier on. I should have started off meeting with a few RE’s. Don’t make the same mistakes I have!

[Anonymous]

SGF has changed they were good when I went in 2016, but now getting ready for an FET with embryos from 2016 the experience has gone from tolerable to downright negligence. I no longer trust them with anything but taking our money.

[Anonymous]

To the individual replying at 02/11/2021 17:21, I was curious which clinic - and doctor - did you move to? I'm in a similar boat as you and trying to decide if I should finally make the move away from SGF.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SGF sucks, we switched to another facility and it has been much better. I don't think you can switch mid cycle though?

Which clinic did you move to? I am also extremely unhappy with SGF and looking for a new clinic. I am considering CCRM or Dominion. Are there any recommendations?

[Anonymous]

Genetics & IVF Institute is right near Shady Grove Fairfax in Merrifield/Mosaic. They are a smaller clinic but we had a great experience and have a beautiful baby girl thanks to them!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To the individual replying at 02/11/2021 17:21, I was curious which clinic - and doctor - did you move to? I'm in a similar boat as you and trying to decide if I should finally make the move away from SGF.

Hi, I am PP from 2/17. I am currently with Dominion and working with Dr. Dimattina. We also met with Dr. Abbasi (sp?) at Columbia and I really liked her. They are both very direct, but I would say good for different things and also very different in approach. My recommendation would be to get your questions/concerns in order, and then meet with a couple doctors to consult. It became clear to us in consults which doctors focused on what, how they operated, and our rapport with them. You can meet with them before deciding on leaving SGF if you are on the fence.

I would not necessarily recommend one of these doctors over the other because our concerns could be very different (although all fertility related) and I truly think some doctors are better for some concerns than others. I have had a better and more personalized experience with both, from just the consult, than I did at SGF though. I will see how procedures go though. Fingers crossed.

Best of luck to you! Don’t be scared to get a second opinion! It doesn’t hurt and you can always stick with Sgf! It’s just another perspective, another option.

[Anonymous]

I’m at GW and have had literally none of the issues you describe. Also two successful pregnancies.

[Anonymous]

I switched from SG DC to Columbia and it’s much better. Columbia certainly has it’s problems, the main one being it’s impossible to reach anyone by phone. But their billing department has improved dramatically (still a ways to go but much better than what you’ll see from older threads) and everyone likes the doctors.