Abdominal Cerclage and IVF: How We Overcame Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Amanda and Paul’s journey to parenthood was anything but simple. In this blog post, Amanda shares her six-year journey through IVF, pregnancy loss, abdominal cerclage and finally, the joy of welcoming her son Dimitri.
Our Dream of Starting a Family
My husband, Paul, and I always knew we wanted kids. We always talked about having two but were open to the idea of three. I never suspected anything was wrong because my cycles were pretty regular, and I had no signs or symptoms of any issues.
We got married in the summer of 2018 and were anxious to start trying. After several months of negative tests, I talked to my OBGYN, and he put me on Clomid. I took Clomid for about six months, and after that didn’t work, we started to explore other options and began working with a fertility clinic. We started the IVF process in November 2019 and finally had our first retrieval in March 2020. When the lockdown mandate was ordered, we were too far into the cycle to cancel, so we were able to proceed with the retrieval.
By the fall of 2020, we were ready for our first transfer. It worked—or so we thought. The embryo stopped growing and resulted in a loss. We decided to move forward with another transfer toward the end of 2020. That one also worked, and I was released from my IVF clinic at six weeks. A few weeks later, I went in for an ultrasound and was told there was no longer a heartbeat. Because we were still in the midst of COVID, I was alone. The ultrasound tech was the only person in the room. She was so kind—she hugged me and cried with me. It was something I’ll never forget. I had my first D&C right before Christmas.
Finding Dr. Miller and a New Plan
After talking to a friend who was already with Dr. Miller, she recommended that I switch doctors. The one I was with didn’t want to change anything in my protocol, and it was time for a change. We started the process of switching over to Dr. Miller and moved our remaining embryos. I had a phone consultation with him in early 2021, and we began the necessary genetic testing for both my husband and me. Everything came back completely normal, so we were still at a loss as to why we couldn’t get pregnant.
We had our first transfer with Dr. Miller at the end of July 2021. We got pregnant! Everything looked good—until it didn’t. This pregnancy also ended in a loss and required another surgery. We had another consultation with Dr. Miller, and he suggested a trial cycle. We started it and had to push the transfer date back one day. I also had some inflammation due to endometriosis. Around that time, Dr. Miller spoke to Dr. Jubiz, who suggested I have an endometrial scratch before the next transfer.
An endometrial scratch is created when a small catheter is inserted into the uterus, then moved back and forth and rotated in order to cause some disruption to the uterine lining. It may be helpful in women with recurrent implantation failure by increasing endometrial receptivity. Once I got the all-clear from Dr. Miller, we prepped for the next transfer. I had the endometrial scratch in the cycle prior, and the transfer was done on April 29, 2022.
This transfer would prove to be both the most successful and the most gut-wrenching. After all the surgeries, retrievals, and losses, I wasn’t hopeful. My husband remained positive and supportive—my rock. I tried to stay open-minded, but after almost two years of heartbreak, I was losing hope. To my surprise, this transfer worked! My beta numbers were the highest they’d ever been, and we made it to another OB ultrasound. Our baby boy was growing and developing perfectly! It was surreal to finally start believing I was truly pregnant. We relaxed a little and began dreaming of the day we’d bring our baby home.
Everything was going perfectly. We finally got to announce our pregnancy on July 20, 2022—our fourth wedding anniversary. He was healthy and growing beautifully. Then my husband and I both got COVID.
We scheduled our gender reveal for August 6, 2022. It was hot, and our cake melted—but it was a perfect day. Our family found out we were having a boy. We had known from genetic testing, but we still wanted to share the moment with them.
A few days later, I noticed more discharge than normal. Research suggested it was fine, so I didn’t worry. But on August 13th, I went to the bathroom, pushed, and heard a loud pop. It sounded like a gasket breaking. I checked but saw nothing unusual. Later, as I turned on the couch, I felt a gush of liquid. I ran to the kitchen, and it was pouring out of me. I called my husband—he was in disbelief. I called my OBGYN, who suggested I lie down and elevate my feet since I wasn’t bleeding. Moments after I hung up, I started gushing blood. I got into the bathtub, and my husband rushed home. We went to the ER.
After hours of waiting, we were told my water had broken. While the baby still had a heartbeat, he wouldn’t survive. I was 18 weeks pregnant. We were given the option to go to a hospital equipped for babies born at 18 weeks, but the outcome would be the same. We went home, and I prayed harder than I ever had that he would make it to 22 weeks. I played lullabies and told him I loved him.
The next day, I began cramping. We rushed to the hospital. Everything escalated quickly. Our son was born sleeping about 45 minutes after we arrived. It was the hardest moment of my life. The hospital staff gave us as much time as we needed with him before saying goodbye.
Discovering the Need for an Abdominal Cerclage
When we were ready, I called Dr. Miller to get back on the schedule. About a month later, we created a new plan. Dr. Miller was kind and compassionate. I asked him not to give up on us, and he promised he wouldn’t. We also met with a Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor and discussed a cerclage This is a small stitch to close the cervix. Initially, I thought a vaginal cerclage was best, but Dr. Miller strongly recommended an abdominal cerclage.
An abdominal cerclage is a surgical procedure where a strong stitch is placed around the cervix through the abdomen to help keep it closed during pregnancy. It’s most often recommended for women with cervical insufficiency, a condition where the cervix opens too early, which can cause pregnancy loss or preterm birth. By reinforcing the cervix, the cerclage gives the pregnancy a better chance to continue safely.
When an abdominal cerclage is placed prior to pregnancy, it avoids the risks associated with a vaginal cerclage, such as infection or an inability to place the cerclage due to cervical thinning. It has a success rate of about 98%. Paul and I knew this was the right choice. We had it placed in early 2023.
We did another endometrial scratch, this time two cycles before the next transfer. That transfer didn’t take. I started spiraling, truly believing I might never be pregnant again.
Hope After Heartache: A Successful Transfer
We still had four embryos left. We proceeded with another scratch the month before our next transfer in August 2023. I wasn’t hopeful. But we were pregnant again. Instead of joy, I felt dread. Our first beta was decent, not great, but it continued to rise. We made it to another OB ultrasound at the Naperville office. I couldn’t bring myself to get excited. My heart was guarded. I told myself that if we lost this one, at least I wouldn’t be attached.
But another week passed, and the baby was thriving—already a day ahead in growth. The heartbeat was strong. We graduated and saw my OBGYN that same week. We agreed I’d see him or the MFM every other week to ease my anxiety. At 18 weeks, the anxiety was intense, but thankfully, I had an appointment. Our son was growing, moving, and the cerclage was holding strong. We passed 18 weeks, then 20 weeks, then reached viability. I felt a wave of relief. Before I knew it, it was time for my baby shower. I was 37 weeks—the cerclage had done its job.
Because I have an abdominal cerclage, I could only deliver via C-section unless it was removed. To protect the stitch, my OBGYN scheduled a C-section at exactly 38 weeks: May 1st.
But our son had other plans.
Welcoming Our Rainbow Baby
On Sunday, April 28, 2024, after dinner, I started having contractions. After about 12 in an hour, I called my doctor. He said, “That’s it—we’re having a baby.”
Our beautiful baby boy, Demetrios Bartho, was born at 37 weeks and 5 days, weighing 9 lbs 1 oz and measuring 22 inches long, on April 29, 2024, at 4:38 a.m. What we had prayed for and hoped for over nearly six years was finally a reality. He was—and is—absolutely perfect.
We recently celebrated his first birthday and are now beginning a sibling cycle.
A Message to Others Facing Loss
Without Dr. Miller’s knowledge, persistence, and innovative care, we probably would not have our beautiful son today. If you’ve experienced loss due to an incompetent cervix, I highly recommend finding a qualified doctor capable of placing an abdominal cerclage. It was—and is—a life saver.
We will be forever grateful to Dr. Miller and his staff, my OBGYN Dr. Tom Kazmierczak, and the MFM doctors at Duly.
-Paul, Amanda, and Demetrios (Dimitri)
Patient Story- Kayla
For many couples, the dream of starting a family is filled with excitement and anticipation. But for Kayla and her husband, that dream turned into a struggle with infertility. Just when they thought they had reached the end of the road, a second opinion with Dr. Miller changed everything. This is their story and the journey to two little boys that made it all worth it.
Like most couples, we dreamt of starting a family filled with laughter, love and the pitter-patter of little feet. However, as months turned into years, that dream seemed to drift further and further from our grasp. What began as hopeful anticipation soon gave way to the harsh reality of infertility. Month after month, we watched as the lines on pregnancy tests remained stubbornly blank, each negative result a painful reminder of our unfulfilled longing. Faced with the heartbreaking prospect of infertility, we embarked on the difficult journey of fertility treatments.
With our hearts full of hope, we began our fertility journey. We spent a year at our initial fertility clinic before finding Dr. Miller. Within that first year, we underwent numerous tests yielding frustratingly normal results and a series of treatments that encompassed Clomid, IUI and eventually IVF. Our first IVF round yielded 11 embryos. With eager anticipation, we underwent a fresh transfer and subsequent frozen transfers, clinging to the belief that each embryo held the key to our future family. However, amidst our prayers and unwavering determination, we encountered the bitter sting of disappointment in the form of only one chemical pregnancy.
Despite our best efforts, the road to parenthood seemed full of overwhelming obstacles. Faced with the crushing blow of yet another failed attempt, our doctor delivered the devastating news that there was nothing more he could do for us. With our hearts shattered, we made the decision to seek a second opinion.
When we first met Dr. Miller, we felt defeated and hopeless. However, we were determined to leave no stone unturned before exploring other alternatives. Seeking a second opinion turned out to be a pivotal moment in our journey to parenthood, leading us to the greatest gifts of our lives. Through three rounds of IVF under Dr. Miller’s guidance, we experienced a rollercoaster of emotions, each cycle marked by its own unique challenges and triumphs.
In our first round, despite our renewed hope, we faced yet another heart-wrenching setback with another chemical pregnancy.
After years of tirelessly chasing the elusive dream of parenthood, we found ourselves on the brink of surrender. We had spent years going through countless treatments and tests to only find ourselves right back where we started on our journey to parenthood. Despite the pain and disappointment, we made the courageous decision to give it one last chance.
Our second round of IVF with Dr. Miller was a life changing moment in our journey, etched in our hearts as a turning point that brought light to the darkest days. We were initially filled with hope as 12 embryos seemed to be thriving. However, the day of our fresh transfer, our hopes were crushed when we learned that only one embryo had survived. Little did we know, that single embryo would become our greatest blessing, our precious son Theodore.
We became pregnant in January 2020, just before the world was engulfed by the chaos of the Covid-19 pandemic. We felt extraordinarily blessed. In a time of uncertainty and fear, our joy was immeasurable as we welcomed the news of our pregnancy. It was a reminder that amidst the darkness, miracles still happen, filling our hearts with hope and gratitude for the precious gift of new life.
After experiencing the immense joy of welcoming our first son into the world, we knew in our hearts that we wanted to expand our family and give him a sibling. Returning to Dr. Miller, we embarked on another round of IVF. Starting from scratch without any frozen embryos. This time, our efforts blessed us with eight precious embryos, one of which would become our beloved son, Cameron.
Our journey to parenthood was marked by highs and lows, hope and heartbreak, yet it led us to the most precious gift of all- our two sons. Their arrivals into our lives was nothing short of miraculous. Despite the challenges we faced along the way, we are forever grateful for modern medicine and our doctors, nurses and countless others who played a role in making our dreams a reality. They have given us the greatest gifts of all time, and for that, we will be eternally grateful.
-Kayla
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
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!
Patient Story- Breda
“Not everyone will understand IVF or be able to relate, so it’s important to surround yourself with support. More people than you realize struggle with infertility.”
Today’s patient story is from Breda. After not finding success or feeling comfortable at another fertility clinic, Breda came to us. We are all glad she did! Dr. Miller was able to diagnose her with endometriosis and after surgery and IVF, she was able to get pregnant. Breda is due in January!
Breda writes:
I met my husband later in life and we got married when I was 38. I was and still am wary of the stigma of older mothers, even though being older is accepted. I’ve always wanted a family and we started trying right away, but I had three miscarriages in a year and a half. I was at a different fertility clinic for a year, but didn’t feel comfortable there. My husband’s colleague recommended we see Dr. Miller and what a difference!
We first met online during COVID and Dr. Miller told us, “You’ll be a mother, kiddo.” He was so kind, didn’t rush us, and he explained everything. He learned I was an English teacher and told me a story that put me at ease. He never stopped his storytelling, and I welcomed his personable demeanor after some bad experiences at the previous clinic. Dr. Miller found issues that the previous doctor did not, including endometriosis.
After a biopsy, Dr. Miller found abnormalities in my uterus and I was diagnosed with Level 1 endometriosis. During surgery, he removed five spots on my uterus. I also had the Endometrial Receptivity Assay biopsy to determine the receptivity of the uterus to implantation. Soon after, we had an egg retrieval and two transfers.
Throughout this process, Dr. Miller and his staff explained everything so thoroughly and never seemed irritated or disinterested when I had questions. I also got to know Dr. Miller and the nurses because they talked to me during appointments. I always felt people cared and were invested in our success. I felt so secure going into our procedures and never felt anxiety or stress visiting the office.
Even though our first transfer failed, a second embryo implanted and I will never forget that experience. Dr. Miller, Courtney, and Melody were present for the transfer, and made me feel so comfortable. Dr. Miller even told us a funny story about meeting an actor from Will & Grace. While we waited after the transfer, my husband and I held hands and prayed, and we also talked about how wonderful it would be if it worked. Many times, we dreamed of finishing our nursery and being able to move forward with our plan. The transfer worked, and our baby is due January 8, 3.5 years after we began IVF and what seems like a million doctor appointments.
I was very nervous the first 12 weeks of my pregnancy and braced myself for bad news, but at every ultrasound Courtney reassured me with her positivity. We are so grateful for everyone at the Naperville office.
It took until I was about 20 weeks pregnant for me to relax and realize we’re finally going to be parents! I’ve cried many happy tears for a change! Not everyone will understand IVF or be able to relate, so it’s important to surround yourself with support. More people than you realize struggle with infertility. Meditation and journaling are helpful (as well as long walks with our dog, my first baby). Finally, never stop hoping and praying, even if you’re an older mother!