Rosa from USA writes
We are Rosa and Gary and we live just outside of Nashville Tennessee. Gary and I married in December of 1992 and we immediately tried to have a baby. After a year of unsuccessfully trying to conceive Gary had a semen analysis performed which came back better than normal. We were told by the doctors in the USA to try for an additional 6 months and if I had not become pregnant during this time, that I would have a complete fertility workup. (The doctors did not seem too concerned, as I was only 24 years old, and by US standards this is still very young). By 1998 we had gone through so many IUI’s, (artificial insemination), that we had lost count. In 2000 I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure by an OB/GYN whom I worked for and had taken an interest in my case. I feel fortunate to have worked for this doctor, as I wonder if I hadn’t, if I would still have the diagnosis of unexplained infertility.
By the end of 2000 we had attempted 3 IVF cycles, with the first cycle being cancelled due to poor ovarian reserve, the second cycle resulted in a positive pregnancy test, with a miscarriage soon to follow, and the third cycle left us with a heart wrenching negative result, as we knew that this was our final attempt because the doctors would not allow us to continue treatment with my eggs. I remember attempting these 3 IVF cycles as if it were yesterday. I remember every ultra sound scan being extremely emotional as my ovaries were not wanting to produce the sufficient number of eggs required by the fertility clinic where I was receiving treatment.
The emotional roller coaster was really enough for us to handle, but we also had a fight on our hands with every IVF cycle because the USA doctors were constantly wanting to cancel our cycle with every visit. We feel as though the fertility clinic was more concerned with their stats than our care. I remember being so emotionally stressed that before every visit I would have to stop in the ladies room and become sick. After the third and final IVF attempt with my own eggs, we were given the option to use donor eggs. After a lot of thought, Gary and I decided against donor egg and opted to pursue International adoption, as the costs were equivalent, but adoption was a sure way to have a baby.
It is now 2005 and we have 2 beautiful children, a 5 year old girl, and a 2 year old boy, both adopted from India! We were in the process of our third adoption when India changed their guidelines which made us ineligible to adopt again from India. We have always wanted a house full of children and it was at this time that we started to investigate another way to build our family. This investigation constantly brought us back to donor egg / embryo. Therefore Gary and I decided to go forth with this option, but stumbled across yet another hurdle as we could not find any donor egg / embryo of Asian Indian decent in the USA. It was at this time that I met Dr. Aniruddha Malpani via the Internet. The Malpanis were a breath of fresh air and certainly a godsend! After months of planning and coordinating our schedules I made a trip to India for an IVF cycle of donor embryo.
At first I was extremely nervous, and because of this may have even seemed a bit stand offish to the Malpanis. But this husband wife team have an aura about them that immediately put me at ease. Dr. Aniruddha Malpani was witty in his quiet assuring way, with Dr. Anjali Malpani having a sweet, delicate and compassionate empathy. Both doctors exuded confidence and extreme intelligence and at no time did I feel that my care was inadequate. I had 2 ultra sound scans, one performed by Dr. Anjali and the other by Dr. Aniruddha. During the scans, both doctors actually showed me the monitor so that I could see my uterus and endometrial lining and explained in detail what they were doing. After the scans I was taken into Dr. Aniruddha’s office where he reiterated what we had seen on the monitor and then proceeded to explain my treatment plan. On the day of embryo transferred I was dressed for the procedure and then taken into the lab and shown our embryos.
We had a total of six healthy embryos and it was at this time that I was given the choice as to how many I wanted transferred back into my uterus. Dr Aniruddha helped to direct me with this decision in a realistic yet compassionate way. Unlike in the USA, they advocate a patients choice and encourage one to be proactive in their treatment plan. While in the procedure room the anaesthesiologist asked me the necessary questions, i.e…drug allergies, past surgeries, etc. He then looked at my veins, and placed the needle on the first stick! I was totally amazed as he stuck the arm that many have had great difficulty getting a good vein in. As the nurses and anaesthesiologist continued to prep me, I closed my eyes and said a quick prayer that the transfer would go smoothly. When I opened my eyes from my prayer, Dr. Anjali was standing next to me and asked me if I were praying, and I told her yes. I felt that she showed great consideration as she did not interrupt me at this very personal time. She then gave me a few words of assurance, the anaesthesia was started and she proceeded with the embryo transfer.
The Malpani’s staff were caring, and assuring yet at the same time quietly competent. While coming out of my anaesthesia, I found the nurse holding my hand and calling my name. She talked to me as if she had known me for years, and even kissed my cheek in a reassuring manner. You can teach techniques, but you can not teach sincerity! After the procedure, and when I was somewhat awake, Dr. Aniruddha Malpani came into the resting room and explained what had transpired during the transfer. He stated that he felt confident that the procedure went well and that all embryos were safely placed into my uterus. The office was immaculate, clean and was equipped with the latest medical technology. I have personally worked in the medical field for years and I c
We wish that we would have found the Malpanis at the beginning of our infertility journey, as they provided an extremely positive and encouraging environment during our treatment at their clinic. Although going out of one’s country for medical treatment can be a frightening thought, I would encourage any couple seeking help to conceive to contact Dr’s. Aniruddha and Anjali Malpani for consultation and or treatment. We have absolutely no regrets from our experience with the Malpanis and would not hesitate to return to their clinic. We thank God for putting them in our lives and wish them all the success in the world, as they so very much deserve it!