Doctors, Credibility and More - Part 1

Did you grow up with an attitude that you can trust a doctor, that he or she would have your best interest in mind? I did.

In my neck of the woods doctors were authorities, who are honest, look out for their patients' best interest, hospitals are there to help and heal people and make them feel better…

Well, as the movie 'Sicko' is making it's rounds on the 'quality' of the American health care system. Here is our journey of becoming pregnant after being diagnosed infertile (in Germany) and going through the New York list of hospitals and medical professionals.

I should add that I do have health insurance, it's a German Insurance and extremely generous. I have access to any Doctor I chose anywhere in the world. Any tests and medications are covered. This information may be important in the later parts of this story.

Part 1: 'Infertility and PCOS'

It all started on March 11, 2007 when I went to Germany to receive a check up on fertility, ability to carry etc. Having had a family history of early hysterectomies it seemed a feasible thing to do.

The examination started with a series of questions and explanation – biology 101, the birds and the bees, introduction of all possible ovarian disorders and tests and concluded in an examination.

During the examination Dr. Richter and authority in female medicine discovered multiple ovarian cysts. Instead of being give an explanation, he started dictating to his assistant multitude, size etc. Both ovaries had a total of seven cysts.

Back in Dr. Richter’s office I was told that we would need a blood sample to perform a hormone test. That I most likely had Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome, which would mean a high likelihood of infertility, that in addition he would need to perform a laparoscopy to see if my ovaries were clogged and that worst case we would need to perform IVF. Phiuuuu – digest that information.

From his office I was transported into the lab room where one of the assistants was supposed to take my blood. After two missed trials in my arm the doctor was called who decided to take blood out the top of my hands – yep I did look like a drug addict and no I do not have bad veins.

The blood results were to come back within ten days and I should call to discuss.

Ten long days later I received a fax and had ‘the conversation’ with Dr. Richter: Positive for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, I should take the pill called ‘Diane’ for six month as it would bring my hormones back in balance and NO there is close to NO chance that I would be able to get pregnant.

That conversation was on March 26, 2007. On May 5, 2007 we found out I was pregnant.