Lately, I’ve found myself constantly questioning if what I’m going through is just a phase or something more serious. The feeling of being lost and overwhelmed seems to be a constant companion these days, and I can’t help but wonder if others are feeling the same way. Is this normal? Does anyone else find themselves stuck in this cycle of uncertainty and self-doubt? I would appreciate any insights or personal experiences you could share. Let’s navigate this journey together.
I find it quite common at my clinic and it really irritates me!
It is common for doctors to be occupied with their specific tasks, leaving other staff members to handle questions and daily tasks within their capacity. Doctors may be fully scheduled, requiring staff to consult them on fitting in additional appointments. This is a typical scenario in various workplaces, including my own.
This practice is common at my clinic in the UK too. During my initial appointment, I only met with the consultant, and after that, we would greet each other when I saw her during my visits for scans. The nurse always consults her before making decisions, and sometimes I wait while they confer with her. The consultant has also given advice when I had concerns during appointments.
The practice at my clinic in Canada is also the same. I only met my doctor once in person after two unsuccessful IVF rounds, which was the initial appointment to join the clinic. 
Hoping for improved communication as we travel abroad for our next cycle.
Not out of the ordinary.
Didn’t the doctor continue monitoring your hormone levels during your ultrasound appointments? I recently had my first retrieval a few weeks ago, and while I didn’t have much direct contact with the doctor, I had a lot of communication with my assigned nurse. The doctor would check in every time I came in for updates on medications and to determine when I should return for the next ultrasound and blood work.
I’m sorry to hear that you had a difficult time after the egg retrieval. I experienced severe constipation, but I had a nurse available to answer my questions.
I’m not sure what is considered “normal,” but you deserve to have your concerns listened to and addressed. Sending you a virtual hug.
I believe they see too many individuals. If you’re seeing 100 people every week, how do you thoroughly evaluate each case? Additionally, I have had to chase paperwork from my specialist numerous times just to start treatment.
This comment resonates with me completely. I’m about to start my third cycle and have only had a couple of phone conversations with my fertility doctor. The nurses seem to handle everything and it’s difficult to get in touch with the doctor. I inquired about supplements and improving egg quality, but was dismissed. It’s frustrating, especially when paying so much money per cycle. I should have direct access to my doctor.
In Costa Rica, my doctor personally handles every phone call and appointment, including ultrasounds and lab results. I can easily contact him or his office for any questions or concerns, even after hours or on weekends. This personalized experience makes me feel well taken care of.
When we first started our journey around 12 years ago, it was typical to only communicate with doctors during appointments and follow the instructions given by nurses. However, some facilities offered unique experiences such as a breakfast after egg retrieval or communication through email. Things have evolved over the years, but there are still times when immediate answers are needed. That’s why I found an independent gynecologist who provided a different perspective and specialized knowledge in PCOS treatment.
Which city or country are you referring to?
Our experience with our first cycle in Australia mirrored your description. We promptly switched clinics and sought treatment from another specialist in a different country.
At this new clinic, I have the privilege of seeing my doctor or specialist every visit. He carefully examines my blood work, urine samples, and ultrasound results before prescribing medications or injections each time.
Before each egg retrieval procedure, we undergo an ultrasound that same morning.
Following the retrieval, and after a short rest and a meal, my doctor meets with us in person to report the number of eggs retrieved, their maturity levels, and discusses the next steps in detail.
The quality of care at the clinics varies depending on the clinic. The second clinic I visited had standard protocols, which may explain why the team seemed well-prepared. It was more budget-friendly, so I assume you get what you pay for. The first clinic, on the other hand, had a more upscale atmosphere with stylish doctors and a polished website. I had more personal interaction with my REI at the first clinic, but the out-of-pocket costs were high, so I switched during embryo banking. The first clinic had a team approach with multiple REIs discussing my case, while the second clinic only had one REI, causing delays when he was on vacation. The protocols at the second clinic were less flexible, leading to some dissatisfaction with the results. The level of personalized care and communication varied between the two clinics, ultimately highlighting the importance of finding the right fit for your needs.
I find this situation abnormal. My initial experience with this clinic was disappointing and after one cycle, I decided not to return. The treatments are excessively expensive, far beyond the standard fee of a few hundred dollars per visit. If you are paying tens of thousands of dollars for a short period of treatment and feel neglected by the staff, I suggest considering a different clinic.
Our original clinic was located in the UK, where I never had the same IVF doctor specialist twice. I constantly had to chase appointments and be on top of everything, or they would not respond. However, after switching to a clinic in Spain, the experience has been completely different. I have seen the same doctor consistently, excellent communication through email, and they even remind me when to start taking medication.
Even though I don’t see my RE for blood draws, I do see him at most appointments and have the opportunity to ask questions. Sometimes he is in surgery and I only have a baseline US appointment. He doesn’t call with results, but they’ve added zoom follow-up appointments which help keep things moving. My clinic only has one RE, whom I started seeing in 2018. The same embryologist also comes to show me the embryo photos and discuss grading before transfer. I don’t think my experience is uncommon, especially in larger cities.
I primarily communicated with my doctor for planning purposes during egg retrieval or transfer procedures. She even contacted me to apologize for missing one of my transfers due to scheduling conflicts and was supportive when I experienced a chemical pregnancy. She also congratulated me when I graduated from each stage of the process. I always made sure to schedule follow-up appointments when planning transfers, as I wanted to quickly move on to the next step in case of failed attempts, rather than waiting several weeks to discuss the same protocol again.
It’s not normal for me to only talk or email with my significant other twice a week. It feels like a waste of money for them to not be more invested in our relationship. 
I had a virtual appointment with my doctor, which was pretty normal but still annoying 
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I am not used to it, as we typically have routine check-ins with the doctor. However, Weill Cornell is known as the top fertility clinic in the United States.