We are finally moving on to our next endeavor and I'm not talking about the donor embryos. We have decided to work with a reproductive science and immunology consultant. She's experieced infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss herself and has decided to help others determine explanations for their own unexplained infertility. It's not that we are against putting the adopted ones in. I just want to make sure my body wont kill them the way it has possibly killed my own. Have any of you worked with an RI? She's not an actual RI, just a consultant that helps you find an RI. Since all of this will be long distance, we feel we could use her help and felt her fees were reasonable. Here is what she's helping us with:
"I consult in all areas of infertility and all stages of infertility, but the majority of my clients have "unexplained infertility" or recurrent miscarriages. They have tried IUI and even IVF and failed. I work with them to determine why they have been unable to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term or why their current treatment plan is not working for them. In order to be thorough, I would like to have a copy of your current medical records. This will allow me to see the tests, results, and treatments that you have completed. I can see what is missing and what may need to be done. I can evaluate how treatments were given and determine reasons for why they may not have worked. Most importantly, based on your past medical history, we can come up with directions and plans for the future. We can also make sure that nothing important has been overlooked (even many things that are not immune related). I will go through your records very carefully and create a "consulting packet" for you. This will contain tests that you have had and an interpretation of them. It will contain tests that I recommend, and why I recommend these tests and what information they will provide us with. Many of the tests can be done through a local lab that is contracted with your insurance company (such as Quest, LabCorp). For the specialized immune tests, your (and your husbands) blood can be mailed to a lab in Chicago called the Clinical Immunology Labs at Rosalind Franklin University. They accept most major insurance plans, but we can email or call them directly to find out if they are contracted with your insurance. If they are, great! If not, we can order from a less expensive lab (that sends the blood to RFU anyway) or we can prioritize the tests to make sure that you are only having the most necessary and fewest tests possible. What I love about this is you can find answers without spending a ton of money (or any money at all). I can also order blood tests from Rosalind Franklin (an immunology lab) or Reprosource, if that is necessary. I will mail the packet to you and then we will have a comprehensive consultation appointment where we can discuss the packet and I can answer questions about the packet or ANY other questions that you may have. The consultation can be done over the phone or via Skype since you are located in Tennessee. Providing you with the "consulting packet" before we talk makes our time very productive - it gives us plenty to talk about and will give you time to come up with any questions that I can answer during theconsultation appointment . My fee for the comprehensive consultation (reviewing medical records, the packet and the consultationappointment (this appointment usually lasts 2-3 hours) is $500.00. Following the “comprehensive consultation”, you may contact me anytime to ask specific questions about tests, treatments and results, plans or for emotional support during your infertility treatments or pregnancy. Following the comprehensive consultation, my fee is $75/hour (prorated)."--
Karen E. Pace, Ph.D.
Conceivable Solutions, LLC.
Reproductive Science and Immunology Consulting@end_infertility
Karen E. Pace, Ph.D.
Conceivable Solutions, LLC.
Reproductive Science and Immunology Consulting
@end_infertility
Sounds good!! Dr. Kwak-Kim (my RI) works out of Rosalind Franklin. My tests were mostly covered - I was shocked!! That seems like a fair price for consultation. I guess with the amount we spent on travel to see an actual RI, we could have used a consultant like that. My local RE goes along with whatever meds are prescribed to me. My RI prescribes my meds though. Good luck hun! Let me know if you have any questions. Baby4Lisa (at) Gmail (dot) com
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