Our Fertility Blog

Our Conceiving Journey

RMA of Texas – Dr Arredondo

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Starting from left to right – Dr Francisco Arredondo, Rachel Decker Nurse and Wendy Brummitt Ultrasound Tech

Today we had our second consultation appointment at RMA of Texas http://www.rmatx.com/.  We met with Dr. Arredondo and our assigned nurse Rachel.  As soon as we walked through the door the environment was so different than Texas Fertility.  Everyone was so welcoming, warm and friendly.

The RMA office was also more high tech than the other one.  Dr. Arredondo showed us slides of the IVF process and where we fall within our age group.  The numbers were the same about 30% change of us getting pregnant with IVF.  He also explained the genetics testing process in a clearer and different way that made more sense. 

He suggested we go with the genetic testing based on our age.  The embryo cells are tested for quality i.e. down syndrome and any other possible genetic diseases.  The embryo’s are frozen for several weeks until the results are returned to the office.  For example let’s say eight – ten follicles are removed during egg retrieval.  Maybe only six are fertilized and become an embryo.  Out of those six maybe three are only good enough for implantation.  Pete and I were quite floored when we found out the genetic testing will also let us know which embryo’s are female and male.  By doing the genetic testing we increase our chances of getting pregnant up to 70%.  Those odds are much better in our opinion and worth the $5,000 extra.

The doctor did also confirm I would still need to get the hysterosalpingogram (HSG) procedure done.  This procedure ensures there is no blockage in my fillopian tubes.  Why would I still need this procedure done because my tubes are not used at all for the IVF process, only the uterus.  By unblocking the tubes this ensures no leakage gets to the uterus and decreases the odds of the embryo taking/growing.

I am such a wimp when it comes to any type of pain and doctors procedures.  The nurse assured me it was not so bad just uncomfortable.  They will prescribe me some valium to take before the procedure.

After the nurse and doctor were done going over everything we both silently could tell by each others face expressions that this was the place for us.  I went ahead and had the ultrasound done that day so we could move forward.

Dr Arredondo loves his job immensely and working in this type of field.  When you walk into his office you notice canvas prints of sperm on the wall.  He had a sperm lapel pin with an emerald eye on his suite.  This is the type of place you want to become a part of when going through this invasive and emotional process.

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