Dr. Braverman?

I have PCOS and I'm going to start going to the RE if this cycle didn't work... I would like to see Dr. Braverman because of all of the great reviews I hear on here, but how extensive is all of the testing before you actually TTC? If PCOS is my only issue, what is the protocol he usually does for somebody with a simple issue like this? Thanks!!!

ETA: I shouldn't have said "simple issue", I meant minor.. I know nothing is simple lol

Message edited 10/22/2010 9:54:21 PM.

Re: Dr. Braverman?

dr. b wont do thrombo and immune testing if you are just there for ovulation induction for PCOS. he'll talk about it, but it can be costly so he'll let you make the final call. we didnt do it early on, i have PCOS, but PCOS can also cause a bunch of thrombo and immune issues, so we wouldve been better off doing the testing early, cause i ultimately did it after 2 chemicals with him...

he would prob just do a standard hormone bloodwork and fasting insulin if you decided not to do other bloodwork. then you would come back for CD3 and start a protocol. depending on your hormone levels and whether you O on your own would determine the protocol. he rarely seems to do clomid cycles at all. if hes going to do a pill only he is more likely to do femara. but for PCOS 9 out of 10 times he starts right away with injectables since so many PCOSers are poor responders to femara and clomid alone and he doesnt like to waste time on poorer percentage protocols.

and you are right to correct yourself, PCOS is a terribly complicated issue for many of us. it seems like its only ovarian related but high hormone levels effect SO MUCH more than just ovulation its incredible. for me PCOS is directly the cause of both my immune and thrombo issues. PCOS is treatable but it also has lasting effects on many other parts of the body that many people don't realize.

dr. B is AMAZING though, so you made a good choice. good luck!!

Message edited 10/22/2010 10:05:23 PM.

Re: Dr. Braverman?

I back up everything Flowerwife said.

Also, I have PCOS and see Dr.Braverman. My experience has basically been...
November 2009- Went off pill and never got period. I knew I was going to have issues because I was told I had PCOS as a teenager. I didn't wait long to see an RE since I knew there were issues.

Jan 18th 2010- Went for a consultation and ran blood work

End of Jan/Beginning of Feb- Started provera to bring on my period and went in for a CD3 appointment and to start ovulation induction meds.

I started with 2.5mg of femara and didn't respond and all .. then I went to 5mg and still nothing... Then boosted it up to injections and started Gonal-f. It ultimately took 3 medicated/injectable IUI cycles to get pregnant (we jumped directly to IUIs)

I got pregnant in May but in August I lost the baby due to complications that had NOTHING to do with the fertility treatments! In fact, I'm doing the same protocol now that I'm starting over.

Good luck getting started!! Dr.B is an AMAZING doctor and he has given me so much confidence that I will be holding a HEALTHY baby in the end of all this.

Message edited 10/22/2010 11:25:38 PM.

Re: Dr. Braverman?

I had immune issues and we waited a few weeks for results and they got started. he gave me the option with starting right away but bearing in mind that I could have another chemical.

I would say with PCOS he would do some sonos and blood and you might start with femera right away...