I was finally able to discuss our Immune testing results with the famous or infamous (depending on who you ask) Dr. Braverman out of New York. I found him to be very confident (read arrogant) but in a reassuring and almost charming way. My husband and I both agree that he is either a total genius and on the front end of revolutionary infertility/RPL treatment or he is a total quack. I tend to think he is a genius.
Bottom line is he is 90 percent sure I have endometriosis which is severely affecting my egg quality and uterine environment and recommends surgery right away. We told him about our genetically normal embryos and he thinks they probably have a mitochondrial problem and won’t implant but we might as well try them since we worked so hard to get them. (this was the only part that kind of bummed me out).
If you are so medically inclined or curious or want some boring reading to get you sleepy and ready for bed- here is a bit more detail:
I have a pre cursor for Celiac disease (common in endometriosis) the sonogram showed poor blood flow to my uterus ( once again common in endometriosis) and I tested positive for a marker that 90 percent of endometriosis patients test positive for. That, coupled with my poor egg quality and repeat IVF failures, makes him pretty sure that endometriosis is the cause. I also have a few slightly high ( although in the normal range) numbers for various mild immune issues so he recommends prednisone, lovenox and intrallipids because in his words ‘ it can’t hurt’.
So where do we go from here? I think we have landed on transferring these two embryos in the off chance it will work. Assuming it doesn’t we will do the surgery then do the remaining rounds of egg banking after the surgery and the mandatory six week recovery following it. So…. a potentially long road ahead of us but perhaps one that is a bit more hopeful.
How do I feel? Honestly I feel like I just went to a dentist to get a filling. Meaning- I have very little emotion. At this point I am pretty immune (no pun intended) to any setbacks or diagnosis. I am also trained to not get my hopes up nor get discouraged. I feel like this is just another step, just another path, just some more information on our road to baby. I have tried to let go of timelines so don’t feel particularly discouraged that quite a bit of time had been added to our plan. I feel relieved that there may be a kind of fixable problem but guarded that it is a true solution. I started this journey with the deep seeded belief we will complete our family and open to the ultimate method. That has never changed and has not after this appointment.
On a side note, it looks like I will be having my surgery done via Robotic Surgery ( da Vinci surgery) and that is the company where I was a Sales Executive in my past life and have total faith in the product and kind of feel excitement and pride that I will be on the patient side for once.
So there we have it. I am grateful for my beautiful blogger friend who sent me to Braverman and for all of you who have given me tremendous support and encouragement. And finally for the fact that I have my son and am extraordinarily lucky to be called a Mom. A gift I never ever take lightly.
Xoxo
I love your assessment of Dr. B – either total genius or quack. After our experience I tend to think genius. Or maybe because I am so invested in what he said (as his recommendations ultimately led us to stop trying and choose adoption) that I have no choice but to think genius? Heck, when I think about it, he brought me my son in a very round about way, so clearly he’s a genius! He was funny with us, he kept trying to be personable and talk hockey with us. I’m thinking he knew of the Canadian stereotype but nothing of the actual sport as he couldn’t really “talk” hockey.
By the way, I like your plan. I like the idea of transferring the two embryos you have and then looking at the surgery. First, I hope you don’t need the surgery and this transfer works. But, if you do, I know for others that surgery and his treatment plan made all the difference, and I am so hopeful that if you end up there it will do the trick for you as well. In fact, I think every blogger I know who has followed his treatment plan has ended up pregnant with a healthy pregnancy – now how’s that for increasing hope?
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Your hopefully comment finally gave me tears and emotion. Thank you so much. You are such a beacon of light and yes- he did kind of give you your beautiful and perfect baby!!
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Sounds a lot like Tanya’s story – and I wish you a successful happy ending to your story! I love when there are explanations and plans. It sucks when the explanations aren’t requiring simple fixes, but it sounds like there are possible fixes nonetheless. I am very hopeful for you! Xx
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I felt the exact same way! Hoping Tanya paved the way for my story to follow suit. Thank you!
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I think this is all a great step. Obviously I am biased as I wound up having that damn silent endo and its removal changed my entire experience but you know, it can’t hurt to take a look. Knowing has so much value for progress. Hoping this is your golden ticket xx
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I so agree. Your story is very motivating and inspiring!
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Wow…it’s all kind of amazing. I truly hope that what he suggests does the trick for you and you’re finally able to get a baby out of everything. Wishing you lots of luck!!
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Thank you so much. Appreciate your continued support. Xo
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I always love your updates. I say this every time, but you have the best attitude. I am happy you are up for the process and can’t wait for the best news! Xx
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Thank you! And I think I have said his before but just seeking your blog title in my notifications sections makes me smile and feel so happy for you. Xoxo
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Phew lots of typos there but hopefully you got the point :). So very happy for your little baby boy coming soon. Xo
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Wow what an in-depth consult with a ton of info. Glad you got the results and you have a plan. I hope the transfer works for you and you don’t need surgery! Are you planning on doing the “it can’t hurt” protocol (i.e. steroids, lovenox) with this upcoming transfer? Wishing you all the best!!
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It sounds like there have been some interesting developments for you! I don’t know anything about Dr Braverman (probably because I’m a brit) but I have seen his name mentioned on plenty of blogs. Hopefully even if it stretches out the path and takes a little longer, it will be for a good reason and will result in a healthy pregnancy at the end of it all š x x x
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I think he sounds like a genius, I wish I had a Mr Braverman! Testing and advice in general seems a lot more advanced than here in the UK. I am glad you now have a plan and can feel like you are moving forward. I for one am feeling very positive on your behalf and having read Tanya’s success I have so much faith in Mr Braverman’s advice. I am wishing you all the best on the next step of your journey and I will be following closely. xx
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Thank you! I do feel very fortunate to have access to this type of care. Appreciate your vote of confidence!
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Yes- totally agree. Xoxo
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Aww I’m glad you saw Dr B. And the genius/quack thing is exactly how everyone talks about RI around here! I have endometriosis too and have had two ops to remove it. My Dr S is the UK version of Dr B so I’m hoping that he will be able to bring some of the Dr B magic.
Really happy you have a plan and a way forward, and wishing you all the luck! Xx
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Oh mamajo…so glad to hear you are getting some answers! I think any doctor that looks “out of the box” is a genius. We are not the same, we are all different and it blows my mind how so many doctors just treat us all the same. I think you have a great plan and like I always say….go with your gut. My gut has taught me many things….and it is right 99% of the time š Lots of love and luck sent your way friend!!! xoxo
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Thank you so much! When is your next ultrasound? Thinking about your miracle baby growing makes me smile.
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Really impressed with how you take this all in your stride. I hope your journey is shorter rather than longer but I have every confidence that you have the resilience to do whatever it takes. Good luck & best wishes! You can do it! xx
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Thank you! I am hoping right there with you but darn it am determined not to let this IF business break me š
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I wish I had a Dr Braverman too. I googled him after reading this. If it’s the same guy, he went to Harvard at 14? Yikes!!
I’m wishing you guys everything of the best. I think this is a great plan!! Sorry if I missed it. Is he your RE now or did you just go to him for a consult? Or is he just doing the immune part of it?
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Good luck! I wish we could go see Dr. Braverman but it’s just not in the cards for us. I know the endo diagnosis for me but I also wonder if fibromyalgia and all that inflammation in my body could also be affecting my fertility. Praying these little embies implant and you won’t need to continue on but it sounds like you’ll be in great hands if you do need to.
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Thank you. I am happy to share any and all info and protocol if you are ever interested.
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