[Angelic80]

Hi ladies,

I have been considering sending blood samples overseas to the US (at RFU - Rosalind Franklin University) for some immune testing.

My understanding is that when it comes to immune related issues, Australia is far behind than the technology in the US. I am concerned that if I continue and do trial and error, I might end up spending lots and lots of money.

I am thinking that doing the testing might be useful and might identify the problems that haven't been picked up by my FS. I completely trust my FS but I guess he's not an immunologist so only has limited knowledge in that area. I am thinking of working with an immunologist in the US and getting her to prescribe the medications for me...etc.

What do you think?
Anyone had any experience with doing something similar?

Thanks..

Angelic

[Madalem]

Hi there,

I've recently had some extra blood testing ordered by a reproductive immunologist based here in Aus (testing that hadn't been done by either of the FS that I have had).

He did training in the US, and also sends more blood off to the US if required for testing - I'm still waiting for the initial results (should be later this week).... so not sure yet if my blood will be on a holiday or not!!

I thought about going straight through a US immunologist, but found it quicker and easier to deal with a local office.....and will be easier if/when treatment is required (I think!)

I'll be interested to hear if anyone has gone direct.....

Let me know if you want more information....and good luck!

[Angelic80]

Hi there,

I've recently had some extra blood testing ordered by a reproductive immunologist based here in Aus (testing that hadn't been done by either of the FS that I have had).

He did training in the US, and also sends more blood off to the US if required for testing - I'm still waiting for the initial results (should be later this week).... so not sure yet if my blood will be on a holiday or not!!

I thought about going straight through a US immunologist, but found it quicker and easier to deal with a local office.....and will be easier if/when treatment is required (I think!)

I'll be interested to hear if anyone has gone direct.....

Let me know if you want more information....and good luck!

Hi Madalem,

Thanks for posting...
If you don't mind me asking, who is your immunologist... (feel free to PM me if you dont want to put it out in public)... I am guessing you are based in Sydney... and have an idea on who it could be...

If it is who I think it is, I did consider that option, but I heard that that RI doesn't particularly like working with other doctors and can be a bit vague in answering questions... I am based in Melbourne... so have an FS who I would want to include in all discussions as I believe he is very good...

Hence, the reason why I am thinking of going through an overseas immunologist... There are doctors like Dr Jeffrey Braverman and Dr Kwak, but I think you have to meet them in person before they consult to you and also I don't think they would work with other doctors. I have come across another immunologist who isn't a doctor but has a PhD in immunology - she's gone through multiple failures with IVF and then conceived 2 beautiful children...so I have trust in her since she's gone through it herself...

Angelic xx

[Spock]

Hi, good idea to check everything out and then you can make more informed decisions. I did this with a doctor in USA. It is possible, just need to be very organised. I advise you to ring the path lab you plan to use in Australia beforehand and ask them if you need to do anything. Goodluck!Spock

[Angelic80]

Hi, good idea to check everything out and then you can make more informed decisions. I did this with a doctor in USA. It is possible, just need to be very organised. I advise you to ring the path lab you plan to use in Australia beforehand and ask them if you need to do anything. Goodluck!Spock

Hi Spock...

Thanks for that invaluable tip!
Which pathology did you get your testing done from?

I am thinking either Melbourne Pathology or Healthscope...

Angelic

[Spock]

Btw, I saw dr b, we consulted with him via skype and phone, was totally fine. Feel free to pm me if you want details. I coordinated dr b with the Sydney immune dr, was fine. They have done this many times.Spock

[Angelic80]

Btw, I saw dr b, we consulted with him via skype and phone, was totally fine. Feel free to pm me if you want details. I coordinated dr b with the Sydney immune dr, was fine. They have done this many times.Spock

Oh ok... From what I know, Dr B doesnt consult with other docs anymore...i think it's due to some legal issues...

Were you successful with Dr B?

Also do you know anything about getting an import permit and the costs involved for blood testing?

[Spock]

I just went to my local Douglas hanly moir as there was a strict time cut of to get the bloods to fed ex for flight to USA. Dr b uses Reprosource who are USA based but coordinate blood testing globally. Reprosource sent me a kit with the test tubes and labels and packaging. The bloods need to be same day flown to USA. Hope that helps. Spock

[Spock]

I think dr b will work with other doctors if you are overseas as I started seeing him only after the ny state law changed. If you are interested you can always just send dr b an email and ask.
From all the immune testing - and he really did test some cutting edge things, I came back with nothing out of the ordinary. My last transfer which we coordinated with dr b, my fs and my Sydney RI was always going to be our last go as I came to immune testing late, went through many m/c's beforehand you see. Sadly our last transfer where we tried neupogen (more as a this might help) resulted in a bfn. We are now on the surrogacy path as tired of losing babies.
I do think immune testing has helped many women though (just not me) in identifying odd immune things and then they can get appropriate treatment. I don't know why in this aspect Australia is so far behind. Even UK is more advanced than Australia for this.
Wishing you success!Spock

[Spock]

I think dr b will work with other doctors if you are overseas as I started seeing him only after the ny state law changed. If you are interested you can always just send dr b an email and ask.
From all the immune testing - and he really did test some cutting edge things, I came back with nothing out of the ordinary. My last transfer which we coordinated with dr b, my fs and my Sydney RI was always going to be our last go as I came to immune testing late, went through many m/c's beforehand you see. Sadly our last transfer where we tried neupogen (more as a this might help) resulted in a bfn. We are now on the surrogacy path as tired of losing babies.
I do think immune testing has helped many women though (just not me) in identifying odd immune things and then they can get appropriate treatment. I don't know why in this aspect Australia is so far behind. Even UK is more advanced than Australia for this.
Wishing you success!Spock