Hi pinkpop! We went to AART in Halifax and had a really great experience. There was another message string on here were folks had negative experience, so to have a balanced look, maybe search for that thread and read over what people said.
However, like I said, my husband and I had a wonderful experience. Well, as wonderful as needing to pay lots of money to have a baby can be, haha.
We are MFI, and so my husband was referred to see Dr. Grantmyre. The referral went in end of October, and we were seen in mid-January. From that appointment, I was referred to Dr. Hamilton for the female side of things. I got an appointment with her at the end of March (would have gotten in mid-March, but we were scheduled to be on vacation). The appointment was super helpful and very informative. We met with Dr. Hamilton, her Fellow (post-residency subspecialty training doctor), and two nurses. I got all of my swabs, cavity exam, pap test, etc completed. I was lucky to get in the very next day at the IWK to get the HSG test (where they check your tubes for blockage) and then had blood work done.
We chose to try IUI first as it was cheaper. I was able to start at that very cycle, so all I had to do was wait for my period, use my trusty fertility monitor, and call when I got a peak. After 2 IUIs, we decided to take the IVF plunge. So, time-wise, I think it was May and June IUIs, and then immediately to IVF for the month of July.
You take a nasal spray initially (which shuts down your system), followed by injections (which vary depending on how you respond - all of which is tested by blood and ultrasounds). Long story short, I had an egg retrieval and fresh embryo transfer in August. Worked the first time and I'm now 30 weeks along with a baby girl :)
We did IVF-ICSI and so the cost was $8500 (I believe- they have all the prices online). The drugs really vary depending on how you respond. They range from $3500 to $7000 or so. If I paid, I would have been at the $3500 mark, but I have an incredible drug plan, so all i paid was dispensing fees. The fertility pharmacist is really kind and helpful.
Regarding Dr. Hamilton (if that is who you end up seeing), I've read mixed reviews. My own experience was quite positive. She's definitely quirky and isn't a warm, fuzzy, effusive person. But she's kind and friendly in her own way. She's brilliant and can answer anything you're wondering about. I've never felt rushed, dismissed, or ridiculed over any questions I asked her. Kendra and Stephanie (the front desk admins) are the sweetest, warmest, kindest people ever - which really helps when your stressed, anxious, and clinging to hope for a baby. Sherry, one of the nurses, has a sixth sense about emotions you may be feeling, and goes out of her way to make sure you get exactly what you need (extra time, a friendly ear, supportive pep-talk, private room if you're shy about waiting in the waiting room along with other patients).
Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, ask away :)
Good luck and wishing you heaps of baby dust :))
