A.F.'s Story

If you're reading this, you're probably a woman struggling with infertility, and if you're like, me it's the hardest, saddest problem you've ever confronted.

First I tried to solve it on my own reading books and trying acupuncture. Then I used my take a number and wait HMO, but they would only approve a certain number of limited procedures. Next, I went to a private practice, three visits and three physicians later, a friend recommended the Alta Bates program.

Of course I'd studied and obsessed over all the available statistics and couldn't find any significant differences, the numbers were too small, But I could see the Alta Bates program performed a lot of donor procedures, had a high proportion of older woman patients, and screened their own donors. Quite frankly the egg donor brokers I've spoken with scare me to death. They have no regulations and no oversight of any kind. Since I was older and looking at the eventual possibility of using a donor egg, I chose this program.

My advice to you is; find a physician you trust implicitly both for skill, and for having your best interests in mind. These procedures are expensive and emotionally wrenching. Experience, ability and knowledge are critical to their success. As a patient the decisions you make are difficult, you need people who are thoughtful of your needs and desires, who will give you trustworthy and honest guidance. This is one time in your life you don't want stand in line medicine. This is not like treating a cold.

In the Alta Bates program, I felt safe and well taken care of. I trusted their skill and abilities. I knew they were caring of my welfare and thoughtful about the outcome in my life.

I joke with my husband; I'll probably never receive such attentive care again. I hope I never have to, since the hardest part is over. I'm 44 years old and this is just another routine pregnancy. My baby is thriving and will be born in August.
Thank you all,