A step in the Right Direction

After learning that Cycle 7 had failed us, we decided enough is enough. 

We refuse to continue to put our faith in doctors who aren’t willing to try new ways to help us achieve our baby dream. 

I truly do have the utmost respect for Dr Lyndon Hale, he is a fantastic Doctor, a beautiful man; but he is very by the book! And time is proving that we are not a textbook case. 

7 cycles of ICSI, 3 of which were Full Stimulated cycles, not yet pregnant… Time to dig a little deeper……

I suffer from Endometriosis and Poly Cystic Ovaries. I have had 2 Laparoscopic Surgeries in the last 4 years to remove both. However both are recurrent and return – generally worse than before 😔

I have an amazing Gynaecologist (Dr Stan Tsocanos – Epworth) , I trust him with my life! 

As it has been 15 months since my last laparoscopy, we decided to call my gynaecologist (Dr Tsocanos) and see if there is anything he thinks we should do before revisiting IVF. Called Monday, appointment within 48 hours 🙌. 

As soon as I stepped into my gynaecologist office this morning, I felt at ease. I knew I would leave on a positive note, within minutes we were discussing booking me for the NK Cells biopsy; he requested another laparoscopy whilst I’m under anyway, suggested flushing my Fallopian tubes and making sure my pelvis and uterus are healthy moving forward. 

When I requested NK Cells with Dr Hale I was handing what appeared to be a pathology form with my name written as Shak…. No explanation as to what it involves, nor was it advised that it was conducted under anaesthetic on day 25 of my menstrual cycle. It’s like Melbourne IVF treat it as taboo! 

When I mentioned switching to Dr Nick Lolatgis, he was immediately on board! We were soon discussing techniques pioneered by Dr Lolatgis, explaining potential genetic issues we may be facing and what technologies are in place to treat it. 

Dr Tsocanos explained that if our Genetic match up is too similar, my body may not distinguish embryos. 

In a nut shell, if this is an issue (not confirmed until blood work back) – Dr Lolatgis would transfuse Adam’s white blood cells into me, making my body react to them. To teach my body the difference and create a reaction. Then through medication – ensure my body didn’t attack embryos but rather – protect them. 

It’s all very technical and so advanced it’s almost crazy, but it works! 

We want a doctor that is going to go above and beyond to make our dream come true. I feel that in Dr Lolatgis I will reach my goal. My requests won’t be questioned but rather encouraged or at least explained if denied.

Dr Lolatgis has a waiting list, so in the interim – Dr Tsocanos is going to ask him (over dinner Tomorrow night! What a legend!) what he suggests beyond my gynaecologists recommendations… 

Within 3 weeks I will undergo Laporascopic surgery, Curette for NK Cells Biopsy, Tubes Flushed & numerous blood test done, a massive step in the right direction! 

We enquired what happens given we already have 3 embryos in storage with Melbourne IVF, Dr Tsocanos advised they can be moved to Monash IVF for use by Dr Nick Lolatgis! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

So after 1 year & 1 day – we bid farewell to Melbourne IVF, we first met with Dr Hale, Nursing, Counsellors and Patient Liason Administrators on 1st March 2015. 

On March 2, 2016 we put ourselves first! We made a stand and decided to do what we feel will work best for us! 

Today will certainly be a day I never forget, this afternoon I have cried – tears of relief! Tears of excitement for our future. 

I hope that anyone currently going through IVF or considering IVF takes this on board. Do not wait! Don’t waste 12 months of your life, get a second opinion! 

We appreciate all of the love and support that we have received since deciding to share our journey. Had it not for being so open about what we are going through, we wouldn’t know what we do today. 

Love to you all