That seems to be my MO of late.
My last real post detailed my research on donor clinics abroad and promised to touch on concierge services. When I first looked into "concierge services" (this is not what most refer to themselves as, but since terms vary so widely, I am sticking with this description) my only goal was to learn what I could from their websites and client reviews and then apply that knowledge to my own plans.
I found that services ranged from making travel arrangements, acting as liaison with the clinic to arrange treatment, completing paperwork to providing in-country support. I was fairly confident in my own travel arrangement skills and thought I could also handle the communication with the clinic.
However I soon discovered that the clinic I was interested in had a waiting list of almost a year. I could "jump the line" and have a wait of only 3-4 months if I signed up with one particular concierge service. Sounded great but email communication with this organization was disappointing. I've had warmer, more humanistic emails from S.ears when I requested a service call for my washing machine.
I then came across another organization run by a woman who offered service packages. I could choose to pay for clinic coordinating services and/or travel assistance. After emailing and then speaking with the woman on the phone several times I felt confident working with her would be the easiest and most efficient way to move forward. She provided me with an in depth analysis of three clinics that closely met my needs and I chose one that is relatively new, one I had not even considered before.
Her support and guidance since then has been incredible. She's kept track of my paperwork, been the go-between with the clinic and sperm bank (more on that later!), provided me with insight on the city in which I'll be visiting (she did a cycle there herself) and has so much first-hand knowledge of DE IVF that I can ask her almost anything and she either knows the answer or finds it for me. For a mere $600 I have support and peace of mind. It's priceless really.
I have a transfer date of September 20-25. An actual date!
Fan - fricken - tastic!!!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to here this...you have a transfer date??? Already?? Oh man, I bet you are wishing away the summer :))))
Glad you have found someone who is going to help you navigate through this whole DE IVF...I am sure it's going to take it's toll and to have someone holding your hand will be invaluable.
Wow, that's wonderful! I'm so glad excited for you! I hope you'll give us more details as you can. :) *hint hint*
ReplyDeleteWow! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteIsn't a date just mind-blowing in itself? I'm glad you found someone with whom you are comfortable. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis is so exciting! This women sounds amazing, so glad you found her. Can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteYay! An actual date! I'm so excited for you. :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow! That's really exciting.
ReplyDeletePS, I'd love some info about your coordinator, if you wouldn't mind emailing it to me or posting it on my blog. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is all very exciting. I am pumped for you. That woman sounds like she is really making a world of difference, especially since you are doing this on your own. And how perfect that she has been through it all herself.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear more!
MissC