I have the same issue with my Re's assistant. They are always so busy and don't spend anytime explaining things to us. I always have to call the office to get my results etc. They never take the initiative. To them, we're just business but they don't realize that each of us are individually special and sensitive. I feel your frustration! I wouldn't take it personal though. She is probably just not happy with her job or might have personal issues at home. When we're done with our procedure, we're going to write a letter to our dr. He may not know how his assistant is acting. You should do the same.

I can totally relate. My coordinator is the same way, although she doesn't do my actual procedures (maybe just b/w every now and then) I do have to deal with her for just about everything that I do there. Occasionally she has good days with me but for the most part I feel like I am a burden to her. My husband asks me after every appointment "did you get the nice Annette today or the mean Annette?" At first I did take it personal but then I realized how much time she is there at the clinic and how many stressed out women (like me) she has to deal with every day so I cut her some slack. Like you, I have no other alternative there who I can switch to anyway.
But like you said we DO pay them for their services. I don't think a little courtesy and sensitivity is too much to ask for. If it gets to be too much for you, I would definitely say something.

Yes, it happened to me when I did IVF. Everytime I go, there is a different doctor doing the ultrasound and each time, the nurses are different too, if we try to call, they will say they will call back but sometimes, it takes about a day or days before they do. I just think they should have it in their records already. Also, with the ultrasounds, its like I am falling in line and there are other women waiting after me. Not very convenient.

I had two nurses at the ob I was going to, but we always got the same one for our IUI's. She was just cold. But on the phone I would usually get the other nurse who was MUCH nicer. Then when I called in to schedule my 4th IUI the cold one told me that it had been decided that there was no point in doing another IUI. She actually told me that it would be a waste of their time!! I was so upset!! I still haven't gotten over it, but at least I don't ever have to go to that ob again. She was the fertility scecialist in town here, now I go to the university. I think you should write a letter or call and talk to your dr. I understand that she may be stressed out and overworked, but there is no reason for her to let anyone else be affected by it. Anyway, just my toughts!!

Wow - I can't believe you guys are getting this kinda treatment from these people! I know they are very busy but personally when I am in a fragile state (as I am sure you all are) if I get that treatment I feel like bursting into tears and running away. You are right you are paying (LOTS) for this treatment, not to mention the emotional costs of the whole process, and you shouldn't have to deal with this ontop! I say change clinics until you find people who do care. Interview them prior to treatments if you have to - tell them what you want for your many $$$$!!!!

I am so sorry to hear these stories. What terrible things to happen to you all when you are paying so much money and investing so much time into this process.

I was VERY VERY unhappy w/ the bedside manner of two MD's and the main nurse at my former clinic. It added insult to injury!!! I switched clinics and am MUCH happier. Do you have another place you can switch too??

I was VERY VERY unhappy w/ the bedside manner of two MD's and the main nurse at my former clinic. It added insult to injury!!! I switched clinics and am MUCH happier. Do you have another place you can switch too??

Isn't it a bummer? We were doing treatments at a university hospital for a couple of years and it was awful. I only saw the dr for the consultation (which was very short), and the HSG. Those people were so unorganized. I would call close to ovulation to warn them that we would need an IUI within the next few days, and make sure everything was ready (sometimes they didn't have the dr's order--should that really have been my responsibility?). Then I would have to get up at 3 am every morning to use the OPK, so that if I had my surge, we could be ready to go by 4 and arrive to their office (over 3 hrs away) during their limited lab hours. Half the time (literally), when we got there, they didn't even know who we were, let alone what we were coming for! On one of these such days, there was a woman behind me in line with a sample cup, asking the secretery to please expedite the sample to the lab because it had been almost 45 minutes since collection. The secretery told her she needed to wait her turn. This was when this was all so new to me, but I remember I felt so bad for that lady as she stood out there in the hallway crying! The whole experience became so stressful that we completely gave up and decided to adopt. After a year of waiting, and hearing nothing, I decided that I shouldn't give up on TTC, and the next month I got pregnant, after five years of trying. Now we are back on the boat again, it has been over two years and we have not been able to conceive again. We found a new dr and he is great! He treats people from all over the world, and he has a great success rate. He stays up to date on the newest treatments, and best of all, I can tell that he and his staff really care! He has a positive attitude which I love, and he has spent HOURS with us, tring to help us make our dreams come true. Another added plus is that he is 45 min closer to our home. He has done so many tests/procedures that my former doctor never did. I am SO excited! I have such high hopes that this doctor is going to help us, and it feels great!

Hi,
It really saddens me to hear these stories. I would recommend switching doctors until you find one who realizes how monumentally difficult and emotional this experience is and treats you with the requisite care and respect. I would definitely change clinics. My husband and I have zero infertility coverage through our insurance so every penny is out of pocket. When I felt like my doctor was rushing me and not giving me enough of his time, I confronted him about it and now he is better. Lots of luck with whatever you decide. I know it's your decision, but personally I believe that due to the sensitive nature of infertility, we must have doctors and nurses who treat it with the deserved respect and sensitivity. Do some consults and find a place that will take your feelings into consideration, not just treat it as a business.
Love,
Courtney