Opinions Needed - Anything else I can do before a gestational surrogate?

[NoelSM]

***Same as multiple ivf board***

Hello,

I have been reading all over this board for the past week trying to find some hope and I've decided to post to get some "second opinions" from all you experienced women.

I've been through 3 failed IVF's, 1 ectopic - lost tube and 1 failed FET. I did the first 2 failed with one doctor who was young and I don't think as experienced as I needed. My lining never got to about 5.5mm but I didn't know it and didn't know it was a problem or I wouldn't have transferred. After my ectopic I moved to another doctor who I tried an FET with but my lining didn't get above 6mm. We cancelled one and then tried again. My lining was at 6mm but we transferred anyway and I hoped for a miracle. We then moved to an RE who is highly respected and supposed to be 'the best'. We were really impressed with him and bought into his 2 cycle plan. He told me if I did 3 IVF's with him I had a 95% chance of getting pregnant. On my first fresh attempt with him he was able to get my lining up to 8.1mm and he said I had "perfect" embyros. We transferred 4 and he gave us a 70% chance at ET. I ended up with a BFN.

At our follow-up phone consult, he said that I have "perfect" embryos and if I was going to get pregnant I would have by now with all of my past transfers. I theorized that with my past transfers since I never had a decent lining that I never really had a chance. He said that after reviewing my case again, he thinks I had a good chance everytime and again, "if I was going to get pregnant, I would have by now". He is recommending a gestational surrogate. I am really confused as to how I went from a 95% chance to a 0% chance when my lining actually responded this time. I know IVF can be a numbers game and assumed that this time was not our turn, but if I kept going with him and possibly got my lining up even more that maybe it will work. I asked him about immune testing and his response was that the resutls will likely not matter in my case. i don't understand that. Do immune issues have nothing to do with implantation? It seems like from what I've read on these boards that immune issues can affect everything. Again, I am so confused!!

If anyone out there can offer some advice as to what you would do or where to turn next I would really appreciate it. I really do think he's a fantastic doctor but I don't understand why he has seemingly "thrown in the towel" on my case. I really feel abandoned and like he is not even trying anymore and I don't get. Help! What would you do??

Noel

[MashaND]

Hi Noel
Sorry about struggles.
Lining issue together with ectopic pg signal a very high probability of bacterial infection. It might be the reason for implantation failures.
You might wanna see Dr. Toth in NYC
Here is his website
http://www.fertilitysolution.com/
His book is available on line and there he extensively discusses problems similar to yours and how these are caused by bacterial infections
If you need more info pm me.
His treatment is pretty expensive but it is still less than an IVF cycle and for the most part is covered by insurance if you live in US.
If you don't mind me asking how old are you and what was your IF diagnosis
Good luck
Masha

[Lauren2005]

Yes, Dr. Toth, as Masha mentioned, and Dr. Beer's office (now run by Dr. Stricker after Dr. Beer died in May) http://www.repro-med.net should both be considered. Please know that if you have unresolved immune issues or infections issues, the surrogate impacted and success may be hindered. I applaud you for seeking information here and strongly urge you to educate yourself in the areas of pathogens and immunology, and get full and complete testing from both doctors.


Lauren

[NoelSM]

Masha & Lauren,

Thank you both for your responses. I've read a little on both websites and both have so much good information. Its all pretty overwhelming though. Do you think I should consult with both Drs. Toth and Stricker? I read parts of Dr. Toth's book online the other day and was really intrigued. Stricker is closer though as I live in CA.

Masha - I am 34 yrs old and our diagnosis was originally annovulation and MF. My RE says the MF is overcome by ICSI. My diagnosis seems to have changed to poor lining and implantation issues and annovilation. We have been TTC #1 since 2003. Have you met with Dr. Toth since your ectopic. I am really sorry that happened to you. I know how hard it is. I will PM this to you also.

Lauren - You make an interesting point that a suggorate's success could be hindered if we have these underlying problems. I would hate to commit to that, spend the gazillions of dollars to have that fail also. I know its always a chance, but I'd like to give it the best chance possible of success if we get to that.

[Lauren2005]

Hello!

I would recommend a phone consult with Dr. Toth as a good first step. It's $300 for one hour. Dr. Stricker's consult is good also but you must do all the testing first, then schedule a consult, and that will be $600. I would also recommend purchasing Dr. Toth's books online (they're available very cheaply on Amazon.com) because there's a real benefit to having the hard copies in your hands for you to dog-ear and highlight, and such...

I hope that's a helpful perspective.

Kindest wishes,
Lauren

[NoelSM]

Lauren,

Thanks for your guidance. I am going over to Amazon to get his book right now. I have to do everything I can before moving to a surrogate. I also scheduled another consult with our RE to talk about all of the tests I think he should run. He's an SIRM doctor so I know they subscribe to immune testing. The appts not until October which gives me time to research some more.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
Noel