ARGC Advice needed

[sml]

Hello all,

I am considering starting my next cycle at the ARGC, having tried for the last few four years at the Lister. I really liked ALL the consultants I dealt with and the nurses at the Lister, but I had three cycles and 1 IUI, + 1 lapro and 1 myomectomy. My last cycle (first one post myomectomy) resulted in + but had a very early m/c a few days later. I feel it would help to have a new set of eyes look at my case.

Would love to hear pros and cons from those of you who have used the ARGC. I had my first consultation with them last week -- Dr. Sharif? -- and while he seemed nice enough, did not really have great bed side manner and I did not get a sense of the "tailor-made" protocal from our conversations with him. I have heard all the press and am frankly quite confused about what to do. That said, DH liked him a lot, and is very convinced by the statistics. Another alternative we are considering is going to the NYU fertility clinic in New York -- I would have to spend most of the cycle there solo as DH couldn't take off of work. ARGC is very convenient location wise, though I know it is unusually intense.

Please share any experiences, thoughts, advice -- would be much appreciated!

[Kate21]

Hi,

I can't really talk about ARGC personally but a friend of mine went there and really liked it. She had had 5 failed cycles elsewhere and had her final one at ARGC. Unfortunately it didn't result in a BFP but the support and the way she was made to feel was excellent. The only downside was the amount of money it cost and the number of scans and blood tests she had to have - up to 2 a day!! Made working very difficult and hence went sick for her whole tmt.

If you are looking to go abroad have you thought about Sweden? The Falun clinic has success rates of almost 60% and do ICSI and blast transfers as standard. It is cheaper than ARGC and all the scans and blood tests etc are done over here, either in Chelmsford or in London and then you go to Sweden for EC and ET. If you want to have a look I think the website is www.ivfsupportservices.com

Hope this helps?

Kate

[sml]

Kate,

Many thanks -- it's very helpful to hear, even second-hand, about your friend's good experience there (though sorry that it was not a BFP this time around). It is very intensive, which is my main concern. As for going abroad, I have not considered Sweden but thanks for the lead.

New York is where I used to live so have a support network of people there Dr. Jamie Grifo, head of the NYU fertility clinic there, came very highly recommended.

All the best to you on your journey and many thanks for responding!

sml