Thinking of using PGD...want advice

[anonymous]

I have one daughter (2 yrs old) with CF. She is doing great but we are fearful of trying to have another baby the conventional way. We are thinking of using the PGD approach but don't know that much about it. Before approaching a doctor for advice I was hoping someone who has actually used it could give me an idea of what it involves. Thanks.

Jennifer, mom to Kim w/cf

 

[anonymous]

Jennifer,
There is a good site, if you type in georgia reproductive specialist on an MSN seach engine. If you register to become a member (no obligation, they just like to keep track of who visits the site) you can visit their weekly chat's online and also email their doctor.
My husband and I are currently going through IVF, but before we started the process I emailed this doctor (and i live in San Diego so I had no thoughts of seeing him but he was still willing to answer my questions) with tons of questions and he emailed me back. I sent him 5-6 more emails and he answered all of them.
If you aren't able to find someone else who has used PGD (which is unlikely, but I know people take time to respond sometimes and I am sure you are interested in answers sooner than later) maybe you could try emailing this doctor.

Best of luck, wish I could be more help!

Julie (wife to Mark 24 w/CF)

 

[anonymous]

Jennifer -

I live in Tampa and did go through PGD with a doctor in Sarasota. He was wonderfu!! It is a very stressful procedure lots of shots and "schedules" and dr appts, but the end it is very worth it. Unfortunalty for me, it did work, but then soon after I lost it. I would do it again, but we do not have the money. Insurance usually does not pay, and it was about $15,000. I wish you all the best!!

 

[anonymous]

Jennifer - I posted that last message - my name is Sandy and I did not know if you had any particular questions... there is so much to say when it comes to PGD .... I would be happy to answer them for you and good luck Julie .. I hope everything works out...


Sandy

 

[anonymous]

Sandy, thanks for the reply. I'm sorry about your loss. I can only imagine how extra hard it must be to experience such a loss after going through so much to get there. Do you currently have a child w/ CF that prompted you to use PGD or do you just know you're both carriers? I have a few friends that have used IVF and have filled me in on all the shots and dr appts, etc. But I guess I wondered if that would be the case for me since they had fertility issues and I definately don't. I got pregnant on our first try with our daughter which makes having to go through this so awful. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Jennifer (mom to Kimmie 2yrs w/cf)

 

[anonymous]

Julie, thanks for your response. I will definately use the website. I've found a few sites but haven't come across that one yet. Thanks again and I wish you all the best and hope you have good news soon.

Jennifer (mom to Kimmie 2yrs w/cf)

 

[anonymous]

Jennifer -

I have one child with CF Robbie - he is now 3 and was diagnosed at 9 months.... I always wanted more children, but i am now at a crossroads and do not know what to do. I am having a hard time dealing with all this. I took robbie's diagnosis in stride... it is what it is.... and my life is blessed with him. Not having fertility problems will give you a better chance of PGD working, but your body is still your body and you never know what will happen. I would do it again in a heartbeat if not for the money.... But it was hard having those eggs there fertilized I had 8 total 2 with cf, 2 w/o 3 carriers and 1 we did not get a result. We implanted 4 eggs 2 carriers and 2 no cf it was emotional seeing the other eggs there, and knowing they would be discarded....... I did have some level of guilt.... and still often think of it. Like I said i would do it again...

Sandy mom of Robbie 3 with cf