SUCCESS STORY from Rebecca & Michael
Rebecca had Polycystic Ovaries, a small amount of endometriosis and a heart shaped uterus (septum in uterus). She had corrective exploratory surgery to correct these issues at another facility; however, we never really felt comfortable there from the start and just figured out options were limited.
An old friend had referred us to Dr. April Gago and we were extremely glad he did. From the first moment there, we were at ease that we were in good hands.
As a guy, the entire process is not nearly as emotionally intense as it is for a woman. The most important thing is that Rebecca felt comfortable from the minute she walked in. Meeting the doctor was pure delight compared to what we were used to and she showed true compassion and sympathy for our situation.
Dr. Gago allowed us to move at our own pace and let us choose our own options. She worked with us on the drug choices to see which would be covered by insurance, which had the highest success rate and what procedures we felt comfortable using, along with the associated risks/complications/advantages. She was extremely thorough in her descriptions and showed us a complete array of unbiased choices. We never once felt compelled or pushed in one direction or the other.
We chose to go IUI or Intrauterine Insemination the first go-round. This was one of the cheaper options and yielded pretty good success in younger women hoping to conceive. The risk of multiple pregnancies was explained to us and we hoped for the best. Rebecca was closely monitored; every other day to see how the follicles were coming along and to estimate approximately how many eggs would be released. If there are too many, they notify you. If you are not ready, they will also let you know. Once they were convinced she would be ovulating within the next 24 hours, we were scheduled to come in.
The procedure is fairly quick and easy. After taking a semen collection from me, they filter it out and clean it up. They explain the entire procedure to you, but the important thing to note is they collect the most motile and active swimmers (we are yet to see if that will promote a motile and active child!). Once that procedure is completed 1.5-2 hours, they inject the semen into Rebecca’s uterus in hopes of introducing the sperm with the egg. This is a painless procedure and the rest is left up to Mother Nature.
This is an emotional time for a couple or mother-to-be to experience. We were so hopeful and the team at the Gago Center only encouraged and supported our hope. They made us feel like they really cared and hoped the procedure would work out as well. Not once did they say “don’t get your hopes up” or “more often than not, this does not work.” They were completely encouraging and helpful to honestly answer any questions asked. We truly believe that attitude plays a tremendous role in the outcome of what happens in your body. With the nurse’s and doctor’s constant encouragement, we feel it gave us the push we needed to stay positive and conceive.
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We are happy to report that after one procedure with Dr. Gago, we were blessed with the gift of life growing inside Rebecca’s womb. While I know this could have taken a couple of tries, and in some cases, many years before it actually takes, I do believe that the support and reassurance given to us by Gago’s team remained a huge factor in the process. For this, we are forever thankful.
Those who are going through any type of procedure, and speaking from personal experience; be patient. It is normal to feel anxious, sad, let down, broken, dismayed, frustrated, but if you cannot hold on to hope, there will most likely be no hope for you. It sounds a bit like a cliché, but I can attest to the power of positive thinking and having the friendly support of a staff who seems to share the same belief. We certainly hit some bumps in the process, but Dr. Gago was always there with a reassuring hug for my wife and positive reinforcement, and for that, there can be absolutely no substitute. Be prepared for a journey and try to make the most of it. I say when life hands you lemons, you should make some lemonade and enjoy it.
Would I recommend Dr. Gago and the Center to family, friends or even perfect strangers? The answer is unquestionably, Yes!
Highest Regards,
Mike and Becky S.
(information from Gago Center for Fertility - http://gagofertility.com/?page_id=25 )
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