Patient Story- Chloe- Asherman's Syndrome
Today we are featuring Chloe’s patient journey with intrauterine adhesions. According to Dr. Miller, these adhesions are one of the hardest things to deal with in infertility. Chloe sought Dr. Miller’s help after a pregnancy loss and being diagnosed with Asherman’s syndrome, a condition where adhesions form inside the uterus. Dr. Miller performed surgery to remove the adhesions and Chloe participated in a clinical trial aimed to prevent the return of these adhesions. The surgery was successful and Chloe recently welcomed her daughter, Charlotte. We are so happy to have played a part in helping Chloe become a mother.
Check out Chloe’s story:
In September 2021 we found out that we were pregnant with our first baby and we were over the moon. Fast forward to January 2022 and we lost our little boy when I was 23 weeks pregnant. We were distraught and didn’t know what to do. On top of losing our baby I was then diagnosed with Asherman's Syndrome. According to the Cleveland Clinic, Asherman’s syndrome is an acquired condition where scar tissue (adhesions) form inside your uterus. The scar tissue can build up, decreasing the amount of open space inside your uterus. Women with Asherman’s syndrome may experience light or no periods, pelvic pain or infertility.
We weren’t very educated on this syndrome at the time, but later on found out that it would be difficult to get pregnant with Asherman's syndrome. I was told that I would need a hysteroscopy to get rid of these adhesions. A hysteroscopy is a procedure in which a surgeon inserts a thin, lighted telescope to see inside the uterus. Adhesions can be removed at this time.
I knew that I wanted to make sure I had the best doctor performing this procedure since my ability to have kids depended on it. I learned about Dr. Miller from my husband's cousin, who is a nurse in Park Ridge. At the end of 2022 I scheduled an appointment. Dr. Miller ended up performing the hysteroscopy and lysis of adhesions in March 2023. I took part in a clinical trial to get rid of my adhesions. The trial looked at the effect of a soft gel-like material, called Juveena™ Hydrogel, inserted into the uterus after the removal of adhesions to reduce the formation of adhesions again.
After my procedure the nurse told me that my adhesions were some of the worst she had ever seen. However, they felt like they had gotten all of them. I had a follow up a few months later where I was told everything looked good and I was ready to try for another baby.
In November 2023 I found out that I was pregnant again. My husband and I were very excited, but also nervous after everything we had previously gone through. Dr. Miller and his team were great from the moment I told them that I was pregnant. They got me in for a visit right away and started monitoring me until they felt I was in the safe zone.
In June we welcomed a sweet little girl named Charlotte into the world. We are so in love with our baby and so thankful to Dr. Miller and his team. If it wasn’t for him I truly don’t believe we would have Charlotte. I know if I have any issues in the future Dr. Miller would be the first person I would reach out to.
May 10 is Dr. Miller Day!
Did you know May 10th is Dr. Miller Day? Neither did we, until our patient, Jamie, shared that she created this special day to remember her fertility journey, the support she received from her “village” and of course the doctor who helped her become a mom!
Jamie writes:
Our fertility journey started as most do, with a lot of hope and a lot of disappointing negative pregnancy tests. During my initial testing, I found out I had 2 fibroids and one was very large. Although I kept asking about the large one, I was told by 3 different doctors that they weren’t an issue and was encouraged to start IUI or IVF.
Although reluctant, we started planning on how and when to move forward. Through that process, we started applying for grants. While looking at the grant application, I started reading into how it would be scored. In the fine print, I noticed certain types of fibroids would disqualify us from the grant, and that is because they can make IVF less successful. This made me, once again, question my fibroid. I told my husband that I wanted to find an expert opinion to rule out the fibroid causing my fertility issues before beginning any treatment. I started to research fibroid experts, and one name kept coming up again and again in my search, Dr. Charles Miller.
In April 2022, during my consultation with Dr. Miller, I expected to hear, once again, that the fibroid was “fine.” Dr. Miller recommended surgery, and on May 10th, 2022 he successfully removed both fibroids. We spent the next few months healing, trying to enjoy life, appreciating what we have, and planning our next steps to bring home a baby of our own.
In August 2022, I returned to Dr. Miller’s office, and he told me that things healed well and we could start trying again. During that same month, I was on pins and needles hoping to hear that we got the IVF cycle grant. However, less than three weeks after my follow-up visit with Dr. Miller, our jaws dropped when we got our positive pregnancy test! It was clear that the fibroid was what had been causing my infertility, and if we hadn’t done our research and sought out Dr. Miller’s expertise, we would have spent thousands on IVF without any success.
On April 17, 2023 our miracle baby girl, Fontana, was delivered via c-section. We cannot thank Dr. Miller enough for taking his time to listen to our concerns, truly evaluating the fibroid and its impact, and for his flawless surgery. Without Dr. Miller, we wouldn’t have had a first birthday to celebrate last month.
This Friday we will celebrate our second Dr. Miller Day. This year we took the time to reflect and appreciate those who were a part of our village by writing cards to family, friends, and those strangers who supported us during our darkest days of infertility. Each person is represented by a house, and when we put them all together, it was empowering to see just how many people helped us along the way. No two infertility journeys are the same, but for those still in the trenches, trust your gut and advocate for yourself.
Patient Story- SJ
SJ has been a patient of ours since 2012. After years of trying at another clinic, she underwent surgery with Dr. Miller, and then made the difficult decision to use donor eggs. In 2013, SJ and her husband welcomed twins! However, their family was not complete, and they welcomed another son last year! SJ understands the complexities of using donor eggs but hopes her journey brings awareness and inspiration to others in similar situations.
If you would like to learn more about our donor egg program, please contact Lindsey Bartscher (lbartscher at drcharlesmiller.com). Special thanks to SJ and her husband for sharing their inspiring story.
Our journey to build our family was a long one, but we are happy to say we are on the "other side" of infertility thanks to Dr. Miller and his wonderful staff!
We started trying to conceive in May 2009 when I was 29 years old. Both of our parents had conceived easily, and we were both healthy, so we didn't expect to have any problems. Unfortunately, after a year of negative cycles, we started seeing a fertility doctor in June 2010. Despite all our tests looking normal, we did four IUIs that all failed. When we finally got to the point of doing IVF, we just expected it would work. Our first IVF cycle, I got pregnant and for the first time ever saw two pink lines! Even though my hcg numbers were low, I thought just the fact that I'd finally seen a positive pregnancy test meant things might work out. We lost the pregnancy around 5.5 weeks and quickly moved into a frozen embryo transfer (FET). That cycle failed, and we did two more IVF retrieval cycles and fresh transfers that both failed. After our third failed IVF cycle, my original fertility doctor suggested that we may need to use donor eggs. I was not ready to move forward with donor eggs then, so we tried one more IVF cycle with our original doctor. When that cycle failed, our doctor suggested not only donor eggs but donor sperm. We asked our doctor if he would be willing to perform further testing and a laparoscopy to test for endometriosis, since my sister had recently been diagnosed with it. When he refused, we decided it was time to switch clinics.
I had a friend who was able to get pregnant after a procedure Dr. Miller performed, so based on her recommendation and a lot of research, we decided Dr. Miller's office was the right place for us to continue our journey. Dr. Miller was completely on the same page as us and understood that before we did donor eggs or donor sperm or another IVF, we wanted to be 100% sure we had tested for any potential issues like endometriosis or immune issues that could affect implantation of an embryo. Our motto was "no regrets," so we wanted to make sure we had no regrets about our decisions on this fertility journey. Dr. Miller performed a laparoscopy after finding mild endometriosis, and he discovered I had homozygous MTHFR, both issues he thought could affect IVF success. We tried one more IUI cycle and one IVF cycle with Dr. Miller. After our first IVF cycle with Dr. Miller, he told me I had "soft" eggs and recommended donor eggs. He said he did not think we needed donor sperm, but he showed us the statistics on donor eggs and explained how such a cycle would work. Dr. Miller's Donor Egg IVF Coordinator also gave us a lot of information on donor egg agencies and counselors.
After taking a few months to regroup and make sure we were ready, we decided to move forward with donor eggs in August 2012. Dr. Miller also added Lovenox and Medrol to my cycle due to my MTHFR and repeated IVF failures. We found an amazing donor egg agency (Graceful Conceptions) and moved forward with a fresh donor egg cycle in December 2012. The difference between our donor egg cycle and my egg cycles was night and day! We had so many more embryos to work with that we did with my cycles, and they were all top quality! We transferred two embryos on December 18th and were able to freeze five more high graded embryos. And right before Christmas I got two beautiful pink lines on a pregnancy test! It was the BEST Christmas gift we could ever imagine! We found out two weeks later that we were expecting not only one but TWO babies!
Our twins were born healthy in 2013, and we kept our frozen embryos for several years. Eventually, in 2022, we decided to try and expand our family. We knew it might take a few tries, but we got lucky and had success on our second frozen embryo transfer in May 2022.
We know some people are not comfortable with donor eggs, but Dr. Miller made us feel so comfortable about it, and he reminded me that with donor eggs I would still be carrying my children. We know our three beautiful children would never have been possible without donor eggs or Dr. Miller. We are forever grateful we decided to switch clinics back in 2012, and we are thankful Dr. Miller was so straightforward about donor eggs being our best chance of having a baby and building our family. We explained to our kids that donor eggs are just part of their story and something that makes them special, and they will always know how much they were wanted and loved! We hope our story gives other couples hope, especially when faced with failed IVF cycles. "Success" looks different for everyone, but we are blessed and grateful that our donor, Dr. Miller and science have made our family possible!
-SJ
Ovarian Pexy- A Simple Procedure to Help Improve Egg Retrieval Outcomes
We posted a video of Dr. Miller discussing a recent surgical procedure he performed called an Ovarian Pexy that helps improve egg retrieval outcomes. We figured this was a procedure many were unfamiliar with, so we asked Dr. Miller for more information. Get ready to understand how this simple procedure can make a big difference on your road to becoming a parent.
Q: What is an Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: A laparoscopic procedure to move the ovaries closer into the pelvis so that the follicles can be more easily identifiable.
Q: How do you know if you are a good candidate for Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: The procedure would be performed on someone whose ovaries are out of position. A woman can be born with her ovaries misplaced, making IVF difficult. Additionally, another potential cause is adhesive disease – whether from infection, endometriosis or prior surgery, the ovaries are simply pulled away from the pelvis.
However, keep in mind that you don’t know whether or not there is room for improvement until you look at the anatomy. If I cannot see the ovary, I will not take the patient to stimulation. Generally, we have indications that the ovary is not in the right place and see this while the patient is undergoing transvaginal ultrasound or when I perform a saline infused sonogram. At that point, I recommend surgery. Pexy of the ovaries is ultimately a game time decision at the time of surgery, when the anatomy can be seen.
Q: Why does this procedure improve your chances for a more successful egg retrieval?
Dr. Miller: It gets the ovaries to a place where they can be easily visualized via ultrasound and thus, makes egg retrieval easier.
Q: What is the recovery time and how soon can you do an egg retrieval after the procedure?
Dr. Miller: The recovery time is 5-7 days at home and the patient can start preparing for an egg retrieval with her next cycle.
Q: How common is an Ovarian Pexy?
Dr. Miller: Since most reproductive endocrinologists do not perform surgery, this procedure is not routinely performed. Instead, patients settle for a lesser amount of eggs. Oftentimes, Dr. Miller sees patients who have gone through cycles with other physicians and have not had eggs retrieved on one side because of the ovary position. After the ovarian pexy procedure, patients can go from not being able to retrieve eggs to having a comparable number of eggs retrieved from either ovary.
Interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Miller? Call 630-428-2229 to set up an appointment or request a consultation online.
IVF Superstitions Uncovered: From McDonald’s French Fries to Pineapples and More
You’ve been there, late night scrolling through Instagram or TikTok and filing away any and all tricks that hold the key to a successful embryo transfer. We decided to take a closer look at some of these IVF superstitions and better understand their origins.
McDonald’s French Fries
One popular superstition among IVF patients is consuming McDonald’s French Fries on the way home from the embryo transfer. The origin of this myth is unclear, but it is believed that the high salt content in the fries may help the body to absorb any excess fluids, potentially fending off ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). However, it should be noted that there is no scientific evidence to support this belief.
Pineapple
Eating one ring of pineapple, including the core, daily for five days starting on the day of the embryo transfer is another common IVF superstition. Because pineapple contains bromelain, a mix of enzymes that may break down scar tissue and decrease inflammation, patients were eating pineapple on an empty stomach the day of their embryo transfer. But again, there is no scientific research that supports this will improve implantation.
Pomegranate Juice
Drinking pomegranate juice before and after the embryo transfer is another IVF superstition. Pomegranate juice is known to contain antioxidants and vitamins, and it is thought to thicken the uterine lining, which could aid with implantation. Additionally, the antioxidants may improve egg quality prior to the transfer. Despite these potential benefits, there’s no scientific evidence to back up this practice.
Water
Drinking more than 64 ounces of water in the days after the embryo transfer is another common recommendation. It is believed that staying well-hydrated can support blood flow to the uterus, which in turn can aid in implantation.
Warm Feet/Cozy Socks
Many people believe that keeping your feet warm during the transfer is beneficial. The reasoning is that if your body is sending blood flow to your extremities to keep your feet warm, it may redirect blood flow away from the uterus and embryo. However, like all the other superstitions, the scientific support for this is lacking.
Dr. Charles Miller Weighs in on IVF Superstitions
Dr. Miller, a renowned fertility expert, acknowledges the existence of these superstitions. He notes, “While all of these IVF myths have some sort of scientific support, at the end of the day, none of them have been studied and certainly, none have been shown to be effective.”
He adds humorously, “Nonetheless, I’m waiting for the day that one of our patients walks into the office eating the McDonald‘s Infertility Happy Meal consisting of fries, pineapple core and pomegranate juice. I guess it’s healthier than chicken nuggets and a Coke!”
In conclusion, while these IVF superstitions may seem to have a scientific basis, there is no evidence to suggest that any of them actually influence the outcomes of IVF treatment and they should not replace the medical advice from your fertility care team. Remember, success in IVF is primarily determined by medical factors and a tailored treatment plan.
Do's and Don'ts During the Two-Week Wait After Embryo Transfer
Transfer Day is an exciting and hopeful point on your fertility journey, but the two-week wait that follows can be a challenging period filled with stress, anxiety and impatience. To help you make the most of this crucial time, we consulted with Monika and Mel from our amazing IVF team. They shared some important do's and don'ts to help you through the two-week wait post embryo transfer.
❌Don't Google - Trust Your Medical Team for Guidance
We know it’s tempting, but one of the most common instincts during the two-week wait is to turn to Google for answers and reassurance. However, this can lead to unnecessary stress and confusion. Remember your fertility journey is unique to you and best understood by your medical team. Rely on their expertise and guidance to ease your concerns and not Dr. Google.
✅Follow Medication Instructions
Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, make sure to continue your medication regimen. Medications like progesterone help support embryo implantation. Consistency in following your doctor's orders is key to your success.
❌Don't Take a Pregnancy Test
It's natural to be anxious and eager to confirm a positive outcome, but taking a home pregnancy test too early can be inaccurate and potentially lead to disappointment. These tests may show a negative result because it's too soon to detect the necessary hormone levels. Or, in some cases, they might show a positive result, but the pregnancy may not continue to develop as expected. Instead, wait for the blood test, which provides more accurate and reliable results.
✅ Rest on Transfer Day, but Stay Active
While it's important to take it easy on the day of the embryo transfer, this doesn't mean you need to spend the entire two weeks in bed. Light activities such as walking can actually help boost blood flow, potentially benefiting the implantation process.
❌ Don’t Have Sexual Intercourse
To support the best conditions for the embryos to implant, refrain from sexual intercourse and orgasm during the two-week wait. This helps prevent uterine contractions that may interfere with the process.
✅ Do Delay Having a Bowel Movement
After the embryo transfer, it's wise to avoid any activities that might strain the pelvic area, including pushing during a bowel movement. Wait for about 5 hours before trying to have a bowel movement.
❌ Don't Drink Alcohol
During this critical period, it's best to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including your diet. Avoiding alcohol and focusing on a well-balanced diet is essential.
✅ Try to Relax and Manage Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are natural during the two-week wait, but managing these emotions is crucial. Consider relaxation techniques such as acupuncture, yoga, journaling or simply pampering yourself. A calm mind supports your fertility journey.
Always remember to follow the specific instructions provided by your dedicated care team. They are here to support and guide you through this journey. You're not alone, and we're here for you every step of the way.
For any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. We're here to provide the care and assistance you need.
The Advanced IVF Institute Joins the CCRM Fertility Network of Clinics
Big news for our practice- the best just got better! We are pleased to announce we are now a part of the CCRM Fertility network of clinics. CCRM Fertility is a global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science and specializes in the most advanced fertility treatments, with deep expertise in IVF, fertility testing, egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing, third party reproduction and egg donation, achieving some of the highest Iive birth success rates in the U.S.
Dr. Miller and our dedicated and innovative team can’t wait to join forces with CCRM Fertility to provide exceptional care to our patients and give them the best opportunity for success.
Rest assured, Dr. Miller will remain as Practice Director and you will continue to receive the outstanding and personalized care you expect of us; however, now your access to top-tier medical resources has expanded to become even more innovative, efficient and accessible.
Dr. Miller had this to say: “It is an honor to join the prestigious CCRM Fertility network. Together, we are committed to our patients through innovative thought, procedures and technologies. I look forward to caring for existing patients and welcoming new patients through our doors as they face fertility and gynecologic challenges.”
We are excited to join with CCRM Fertility to bring joy to even more families! Check out the official press release below.
CCRM Fertility Broadens North American Footprint By Adding The Advanced IVF Institute to its Network
CHICAGO, Aug. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CCRM Fertility, a global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science, has added The Advanced IVF Institute, to its rapidly expanding fertility treatment and family-building network. Dr. Charles Miller leads two Chicago-area locations and provides cutting-edge fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF), fertility preservation and reproductive surgery.
For more than 35 years, CCRM Fertility has helped transform lives through exceptional fertility care. CCRM Fertility's diverse, highly regarded team of physicians, research scientists, embryologists and professional staff are dedicated to helping patients achieve their dream of having a baby today, or in the future, achieving some of the highest Iive-birth success rates in the U.S. CCRM Fertility's expansive network currently serves 16 major metropolitan areas with 37 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Now, Chicagoans can have the benefit of the CCRM expertise in their own backyard.
"We are excited to welcome Dr. Miller and his team to our network, as they spearhead one of Chicago's leading IVF and surgery clinics and are recognized nationally and globally," said CCRM Fertility CEO Bob LaGalia. "Dr. Miller is an innovator in reproductive surgery and has a passion for learning new procedures, techniques and instrumentation that can positively impact patient outcomes. Dr. Miller and his experienced team will be an invaluable asset to CCRM as we collaborate to make assisted reproductive technologies more efficient and accessible for our patients."
As an internationally renowned expert in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery and in the treatment of infertility, Dr. Miller founded The Advanced IVF Institute in 2008. He is a graduate of the Honors Program in Medical Education from Northwestern University and completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Parkland Memorial Hospital. Dr. Miller then earned his fellowship in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
Dr. Miller is a past president (2008) of the AAGL (formerly the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists), the largest association of laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeons dedicated to the research and advancement of minimally invasive gynecologic procedures. Dr. Miller is also a past president (2011-2013) of the ISGE (International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy).
In 2022, Dr. Miller received the AAGL esteemed distinction of Honorary Chair for his exemplary service to the AAGL and the outstanding contributions he has made in the field of reproductive medicine and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
Dr. Miller is the Director of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and since 2010, Director of the Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Program at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. He is the current president of the Foundation of the AAGL. He is also a faculty member of the Clinical Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Dr. Miller's ongoing dedication to developing young minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons earned him the AAGL's honorable John F. Steege, MD, Mentorship Award in 2018.
"It is an honor to join the prestigious CCRM Fertility network. Together, we are committed to our patients through innovative thought, procedures, and technologies," said Dr. Miller, who will continue to serve as Practice Director. "I look forward to caring for existing patients and welcoming new patients through our doors as they face fertility and gynecologic challenges."
About CCRM Fertility
CCRM Fertility is a global pioneer in fertility treatment, research and science. Founded by Dr. William Schoolcraft more than 35 years ago, CCRM Fertility specializes in the most advanced fertility treatments, with deep expertise in IVF, fertility testing, egg freezing, preimplantation genetic testing, third party reproduction and egg donation. CCRM Fertility leverages its own data and a dedicated team of in-house reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists and geneticists to deliver industry-leading outcomes. CCRM Fertility is a proud strategic partner of Unified Women's Healthcare, which is accelerating meaningful change in women's healthcare by building healthy, innovative and mission-driven businesses to meet the comprehensive needs of women across the entirety of their health journey. For more information, visit www.ccrmivf.com.
IVF Patient Journey- Karen
“I took time to educate myself about the IVF process. I started following some fertility accounts on Instagram and realized how big this community is. It’s the worst club to be a part of, but it has the best members!”
Today we are excited to introduce a new type of patient story to you. We will be sharing Karen’s journey and her efforts to become a mother. Karen had no reason to suspect she would have trouble conceiving until she tried for almost a year with no success. Now she is preparing to go through IVF and is ready to share the good, bad and the emotional with you. It is important to remember that each patient case is unique and Dr. Miller personalizes each treatment plan based on the patient’s age, medical history and test results. Here is Karen’s story:
My name is Karen and I am 38 years old, I have been married to my husband for four years and we live in Lombard with our sweet 5-year-old boxer mix, Cali. When my husband and I started trying for a family in 2021 and it wasn’t happening as quickly as I thought, I got worried. We both live a very healthy lifestyle, have clean bills of health and never thought we would have any issues trying to conceive. I had a ton of girlfriends that got pregnant very quickly, but then I also had several that went through IVF or were currently going through it. I didn’t know much about IVF because I tried not to let my mind think that would ever be an option for us. But then reality started to hit me. After eight months of no success, we decided that we needed to look into the IVF process and find a doctor.
I found Dr. Miller by doing some research on local doctors online through RE doctor websites. My friends who went through IVF all had different stories and different outcomes, with doctors all over the suburbs. My main concern was finding a clinic that didn’t make me feel like just a number. I wanted a doctor that had years of experience, would take the time to understand what we were going through and not push us through the consultation process. I also wanted to make sure there was a supportive nursing team that would be there for us during our journey. After our first meeting with Dr. Miller, I said to my husband, “Wow, this man is going to help get us our baby, I like him!”
After all the bloodwork, baseline ultrasound, HSN and semen analysis, we found out that my husband and I are both factors. Obviously my age was a huge factor and my husband had abnormal morphology, which made Dr. Miller suggest that we should go straight to IVF with ICSI (a method that involves injecting sperm directly into an egg to induce fertilization and pregnancy).
Actually hearing those words brought me to tears after we got off the call. I couldn’t believe we were going to have to go through this. A ton of questions went through my mind of why can’t I just be like everyone else, why can’t this be easy for us? I took time to educate myself about the IVF process. I started following some fertility accounts on Instagram and realized how big this community is. It’s the worst club to be a part of, but it has the best members! Finding girls that are currently going through the exact same process is a blessing. They totally know what you are going through and they feel your pains, the struggles and the wins.
Fast forward to October of 2022, and we were ready for our first round for egg retrieval. I started stims and was on a very basic protocol- menopur, follistim, ganirelix and double trigger shot. Once I got that big box of meds delivered, I was a little overwhelmed. Organizing, setting up my area where I was going to do the shots and going through the consultation with Nurse Patty, gave me the confidence that I was ready to take on the shots. I watched a ton of videos online of girls that were going through stims on Instagram to hype me up.
I had talked about the shots with my husband and showed him videos to get him ready for what I was going to be doing. I asked him (even though I knew I was going to be giving myself the shots) if he wanted to give me the shots and he said he would do them if I didn’t think I could. I let him know that he was off the hook with the stim shots, but that he would have to step up to give me the PIO shots once we got to that point in our journey.
To be honest, the shots were not that bad. Mixing and getting the shots prepped is the most hassle. I usually put on some music to sing along to as I am doing the shots to take my mind off what is going on!
I did ten days of shots and had my egg retrieval on November 3. I got six eggs! It was one more than I thought I was going to get. Results came the next day, that four matured and two fertilized with ICSI. Then we waited six more days to hear how those two did. On day 6, we received a message that only one made it to blast and a biopsy was being sent off for PGT-A testing.
We went through another long two week wait. I received the result that our only embryo was low mosaic- trisomy 1. It was heartbreaking to hear that our only embryo from our first egg retrieval had these results. We didn’t really understand what this meant, so we scheduled a follow up call with Igenomix with a genetic counselor to review the results. I am so glad we did, because after finding out what low mosaic really meant, we decided that we indeed were going to keep this embryo frozen. There might be some hope with this little embaby. After processing all this news, we knew that we had to get right back into another egg retrieval. When we first started this process, we were prepared with the possibility that we were going to have to do multiple egg retrievals based off of my test results.
At the end of November, we had our follow up consultation with Dr. Miller to review what happened and get his thoughts. He told us that this next round was going to be different and we are going to switch up the protocol now that we know what worked and what didn’t work. He gave us so much hope during that call, making sure to remind us that we are going to get our baby! Since I knew we would be starting the process again sometime in January, my husband and I just took the time to enjoy the holidays and not focus on IVF. It was a nice distraction.
Heading into round 2, I am excited and nervous. I am looking forward to seeing the end results with this retrieval since we are switching up my protocol. Even though I have been through this process once and I know what to expect, I have a feeling this path will be different and that’s ok. The main thing is that I have my support group to cheer me on, sending me positive vibes and prayers. Here we go round 2!
Stay tuned to follow Karen’s journey as she prepares for her second egg retrieval . She is excited to share her story with you and shed some light into the IVF process.
Patient Story- Lauren
“Now, I look at my daughter and have to pinch myself. I can’t believe she’s here!”
We know the holidays can be a challenging time for many of our patients. However, today we want to share Lauren’s story with you. This time last year, Lauren wondered if she would ever become a mother. Today, she has a beautiful baby girl. Unhappy with her previous clinic, Lauren came to Dr. Miller. He listened to her concerns and together they came up with a treatment plan. Another example of how important it is to advocate for yourself when it comes to your health.
Lauren writes:
My story is one of finding hope with Dr. Miller and with the wonderful staff at the Advanced IVF Institute. My husband and I had been through a lot by the time I made a teary phone call to the receptionist (or angel?) at Dr. Miller’s office. We had been years-long patients elsewhere, and had experienced four failed IUIs and two rounds of IVF yielding only one embryo and subsequent miscarriage. We were tired, sad, and wondering if becoming parents was achievable. Our previous doctor told us we would be “lucky” to end up with one child, and suggested egg donation. After researching different fertility specialists online and comparing SART statistics, I knew Dr. Miller would be the best choice for us.
When we met with Dr. Miller, he had a thorough knowledge of our history, a plan, and compassion for what we had been through. I have PCOS and thyroid disease and felt that my previous clinic did not take this into account when creating my treatment plan.
Dr. Miller took my concerns seriously and addressed them. I had concerns about insulin resistance, he investigated it and treated it. I had concerns that my previous clinic did not take my thyroid disease seriously enough and allow for appropriate monitoring, he agreed and made sure my levels were optimal before proceeding. My husband was concerned about his inconsistent fertility testing, Dr. Miller confirmed that we were dealing with an element of male factor infertility.
After our first meeting, I distinctly remember him saying, “I might not get it the first time around, but I’m confident we will get you on the right treatment plan.” Well, he did get it the first time around. Imagine our surprise and delight when on our first round with Dr. Miller we ended up with five beautiful embryos, and a pregnancy on our first transfer. He and his staff celebrated with me each week when things were going well in my early pregnancy, and by the time I “graduated” these people felt like family.
Today, we have a beautiful baby. When recovering in the hospital, my husband asked me if I thought Dr. Miller knew how much he changed our lives. When we had no hope left, he gave us everything. I think about this time last year, and not in my wildest dreams did I think I would be where I am today. I spent six years of Christmases thinking “Next year will be my year.” Now, I look at my daughter and have to pinch myself. I can’t believe she’s here!
My advice to those going through this is to live while you’re waiting. It’s tempting to throw everything you have into the process when you’re going through it. One month off from treatment to take a vacation or celebrate something special is good for your mind and body- don’t forget to nurture yourself.
Patient Story- Sheri
“We have been very blessed with great kids who seem to appreciate life, maybe because somehow, subconsciously they know that it took that extra little miracle to be here.”
Up until now, our patient stories have featured women who have recently become mothers. However, today’s submission is from Sheri, who first became a patient 20 years ago! Technology has advanced over the years, but the overarching message from Dr. Miller remains the same: “trust the process.”
My story begins many years ago (my two miracle babies are now 19 and 16)!
After years of trying to conceive, being on countless fertility drugs, endless testing and 5 years of monthly disappointing moments we decided it was time to take the next infertility step and meet Dr. Miller. My husband and I immediately felt confident he was the answer to our unexplained infertility. We left with a sense of relief. He looked us right in the eye and said “trust the process.” It was Dr. Miller’s confidence and stellar reputation that made us say “When can we start!”
The process, although long and hard at times was, by far, made less grueling and easier to face because of Dr. Miller and his staff. Every single person we encountered was kind, sympathetic, positive, caring and made us feel like they were our “infertility family”. There was one person in particular who will always stand out and be a part of my heart and that was Lynne who was at the front desk. Her smile when I walked in put me at ease instantly.
Infertility is praying endlessly. It’s sad, depressing, hard, lonely and you shed many tears. There are many roadblocks and setbacks but this journey with Dr. Miller was worth every single minute.
We were very fortunate that our first round of IVF gave us our son and our second round gave us our daughter.
Both of those IVF cycles began as multiple pregnancies but by some miracle our son and our daughter held on when we experienced vanishing embryos. It was terrifying to think we were losing the babies. I remember the moment when we thought we were miscarrying. Dr. Miller was in Europe and he called personally to ease our fears and tell me what to do to give the other baby the best chance. Grief hit hard knowing our multiples were now single pregnancies. I still think of what would have been had that not happened but take a moment to remember them and even though we never met them we love them always for what little time they were ours.
A year after our daughter was born we kept trying for more children without success. Time was not on my side because of my age. Dr. Miller saw me struggling mentally and finally gave me the strength to walk away and enjoy the 2 miracles we were blessed with.
Our son, Nick, is now 19 and studying engineering at Purdue and our daughter, Emily, is 16 and thriving in high school. Every moment of their lives has been better than the next. We have been very blessed with great kids who seem to appreciate life, maybe because somehow, subconsciously they know that it took that extra little miracle to be here.
To all the patients present and future…I pray for you, I wish you peace always and I hope your dreams come true. You deserve to be parents!