Embarking on the journey of in vitro fertilization (IVF) can be emotionally and physically taxing, but having a supportive and caring team by your side can make all the difference. Maria, a patient at IVF FLORIDA, recently shared her experience and heartfelt appreciation for the compassionate care she received throughout her IVF journey. In her own words, Maria reflects on the kindness, professionalism, and dedication of Dr. Gualtieri and the entire staff at IVF Florida, highlighting the important role they played in helping her achieve her dream of expanding her family. Join us as we delve into Maria's touching testimonial, a testament to the commitment of the IVF FLORIDA team in making miracles happen for their patients.
Dear Dr Gualtieri and staff,
Words cannot express how grateful I am to you all for the loving care you provided to me during my IVF journey. Everyone was so friendly and kind to me. Dr. Gualtieri and his entire team create an environment of peace and positivity for all patients. They are truly there for you every step of the way! They care about you as an individual and are invested in your family. I will not forget all the kindness you showed me.
Ashley at the front desk always had a smile, was very welcoming when checking in, and was helpful when I had to pay for my appointments. All the ultrasound techs were supportive during the ultrasounds. Frankie and Trisha always answered all my questions in a timely manner through the portal. They were very understanding of my concerns, and they showed they cared. Phlebotomy ladies - Courtney and Terry, were so nice and friendly, and also easy to talk to. They both always had a positive attitude and provided excellent customer service. I always felt I was in good hands and trusted them completely in drawing my blood. Dr. Gualtieri was extremely upfront, to the point, knowledgeable, welcoming, funny, and extremely easy to talk to! I never felt rushed and treated amazingly!
In 2021, you created one miracle baby (son Noah) and this year, 2024, created another miracle baby on its way. We are so forever grateful. You all are doing a great service to the women and couples in this community as they struggle with trying to have a child. Thanks again for your expertise, support, professionalism, and efforts to help us start our family.
IVF FLORIDA Patient Maria
By
IVF FLORIDA at 28 Mar 2024
Domenica's journey from cancer survivor to motherhood is a testament to the power of hope, the strength of community, and the transformative power of IVF.
Read her inspiring story to learn more.
My name is Domenica Fuller, and I am a proud native of South Florida.
Throughout my life's journey, I've embraced various roles – daughter, sister, wife, cancer conqueror, and now, my most important role yet - a mother.
At 29, my breast cancer diagnosis blindsided me and my soon-to-be husband.
Three months before our wedding, in June of 2021, I found a lump in my breast while I was in the shower. Two days later, doctors at Miami Cancer Institute gave me the news: it was cancer, aggressive and advanced.
No genetic markers, no warning signs – just a devastating diagnosis that rocked the very foundation of my world and threatened the life my future husband and I were about to build.
Worst of all, my diagnosis came only a few years after my dad passed away from lung cancer. Both avid runners, neither of us smoked or drank. It was inexplicable that this diagnosis would strike the same family twice, and so close together. While grieving his death, I now had to fight the same battle he lost, without him.
When you're diagnosed with cancer, your desires for this life become very clear. Mine was having children.
But within the same breath, I was told I had cancer, what I consider even worse news came next: the cancer treatment that would save my life would make me unable to have children. My only hope? Undergoing emergency IVF immediately, with no guaranteed success.
After a month of emergency IVF, and what I still look back on as the most emotional part of my cancer journey, with the help of Dr. Luis Hoyos at IVF Florida Reproductive Associates, we successfully froze five embryos.
All you have when you're fighting a life-threatening disease is your faith, your family, and hope. IVF gave me that hope. Hope that I will have children. Hope that my husband and I will be called "mom" and "dad.” And hope that, despite cancer, we would build a family together. This is what you cling to in your worst days of treatment. Cancer hates it when you fight back, so I fought back for my future children every single day for six brutal months of treatment (and a wedding!).
After my treatment, my doctors decided it would be too dangerous for me to carry my own children, without risking my cancer returning.
Another roadblock, yes, but I handled this news well. Because I knew I had five embryos. I just needed to find a way to get them here.
So, it became my mission to find a surrogate and an agency that felt like the perfect fit. Against all odds, it all came together: the agency, the surrogate, and my fertility doctor. Then a miracle happened – a successful implantation, our embryo took on the first try!
Nine months later, on October 19th, 2023, I cradled in my arms the culmination of years of struggle and sacrifice – a healthy baby boy, a living testament to the power of resilience, hope, and the indomitable human spirit. We named him Victor – a tribute to the legacy of strength and courage that had carried us through our darkest of days - and most importantly, it was my late father's name.
In his tiny form, we saw not just a baby, but a symbol of victory – a victory over cancer, over despair, over the seemingly insurmountable odds that had threatened to derail our dreams. And as I held my son close, surrounded by the love and support of my family and friends, I knew that our journey was far from over.
Yet, in that moment, I found solace in the knowledge that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together, as a family. For in the end, it is not the trials we face that define us, but how we choose to confront them – with courage, with hope, and with unwavering determination.
My journey is just one of many, a testament to the importance of IVF for cancer patients and the transformative power of hope in the face of adversity. It is a story of triumph over tragedy, of light emerging from the darkness, and of the enduring strength of the human spirit. And as I look to the future, hand-in-hand with my son and my husband, I do so with a renewed sense of purpose and gratitude for modern technology and reproductive science.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 12 Mar 2024
For many, the Two-Week Wait (TWW) is one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process. It's a time filled with anticipation, anxiety, and a rollercoaster of emotions. However, with the right mindset and strategies, it's possible to navigate the TWW with resilience and grace.
Understanding the Two-Week Wait
The TWW starts right after the embryo transfer and lasts until the pregnancy test, which determines the success of the IVF cycle. It's important to understand that every individual's experience during the TWW is different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to coping.
Coping Strategies During the Two-Week Wait
Stay Busy: Keeping yourself occupied with activities you enjoy can help distract you from constantly thinking about the outcome. Whether it's diving into a new hobby, spending time with loved ones, or immersing yourself in work, finding ways to stay busy can make the wait more bearable.
Lean on Your Support System: Don't hesitate to reach out to your partner, family, friends, or online communities for support. Sharing your feelings and experiences with others who understand can provide comfort and reassurance.
Practice Self-Care: Take this time to prioritize self-care and nourish your body and mind. Whether it's getting plenty of rest, indulging in your favorite foods, or engaging in relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga, caring for yourself is essential during the TWW.
Focus on Positivity: Maintain a positive mindset by visualizing your desired outcome and surrounding yourself with positivity. Create affirmations, build a vision board, or simply remind yourself daily of your strength and resilience.
Trust the Process: IVF is a journey filled with uncertainties, but it's important to trust in the process. Trust in your IVF FLORIDA fertility doctors, trust in your body, and trust in the journey, knowing that you're doing everything you can to achieve your dream of parenthood.
The Two-Week Wait can be a challenging time for those undergoing IVF treatment, but it's also a period filled with hope and possibility. By staying busy, leaning on your support system, practicing self-care, focusing on positivity, and trusting the process, you can navigate the TWW with resilience and grace.
To get started on your fertility journey, schedule an appointment with an IVF FLORIDA fertility specialist.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 20 Feb 2024
Florida Reproductive Specialists by IVF FLORIDA is proud to announce the grand opening of its new clinic located at 8705 Perimeter Park Blvd, Suite 8, in Jacksonville. This marks a significant milestone for Dr. Melinda Henne and Dr. Kari von Goeben as they reaffirm their commitment to providing advanced fertility services and ensuring greater access to care for Jacksonville residents. Florida Reproductive Specialists is dedicated to delivering state-of-the-art technology, inclusive fertility care, and compassionate medical guidance. They are now welcoming new patients to the practice.
Florida Reproductive Specialists offers a comprehensive suite of fertility services, including consultations, fertility testing, low-tech fertility solutions, in vitro fertilization, donor services, egg freezing, genetic screenings, gestational carrier programs, fertility preservation for cancer patients, LGBTQ+ family-building support, financial counseling, and more.
“We are committed to providing the highest standard of care and personalized treatment to our patients in Jacksonville,” said Dr. Melinda Henne, double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. “Our team is dedicated to helping individuals and couples on their journey to parenthood, and we look forward to making a positive impact in the community."
Dr. Kari von Goeben, who is also double board-certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Bringing Florida Reproductive Specialists to Jacksonville represents our unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge fertility solutions, compassion, and support to the community we serve.”
Florida Reproductive Specialists is a partner with IVF FLORIDA Reproductive Associates, a reputable provider of fertility treatments in South Florida since 1986. With multiple locations throughout Florida, both Florida Reproductive Specialists and IVF FLORIDA Reproductive Associates deliver comprehensive and empathetic care to individuals and couples pursuing family-building solutions. Florida Reproductive Specialists and IVF FLORIDA are proud partner practices of US Fertility, the largest physician-owned and physician-led partnership of top-tier fertility practices nationally. To schedule appointments or for more information, please call us at 904-895-4749 or visit our website to complete our online form.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 31 Jan 2024
If you're planning to start a family in 2024, taking proactive steps can significantly increase your chances of successful conception. Although every person's situation is unique, this guide offers practical lifestyle changes that can be tailored to optimize your fertility. By following these tips, you can lay a solid foundation and embark on the exciting journey of expanding your family with confidence.
Achieve Optimal Weight for Fertility
Understand your ideal weight using the Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator. Craft a personalized roadmap with dietary tweaks, enhanced physical activity, and stress-alleviating practices.
- Dietary Shifts: Transition away from processed foods and sugary beverages. Prioritize wholesome choices such as fresh produce, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Physical Activity: Integrate regular exercise to manage stress, boost mood, and enhance insulin sensitivity. Consider consulting healthcare professionals for a tailored regimen.
Ditch Smoking and Moderate Alcohol Intake
Prioritize your reproductive health by quitting smoking and moderating alcohol consumption.
- Impact on Fertility: Smoking diminishes egg quality in women and compromises sperm quality in men. Excessive alcohol intake can negatively influence fertility in both genders.
- Support Systems: Engage with support groups, counseling, or medical interventions if you find it hard to abstain.
Revamp Your Nutritional Intake
Create a fertility-focused diet emphasizing nutrient-rich foods:
- Quality Over Quantity: Limit processed foods and prioritize nutrient-dense options like fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Micronutrients like folate, iron, zinc, and magnesium are important in reproductive health.
- Hydration: Maintain optimal hydration levels by consuming approximately eight glasses of water daily.
Embrace Essential Vitamins
Opt for supplements that can bolster your reproductive health:
- Essential Supplements: The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advocates for a daily intake of 400 micrograms of folic acid pre-conception. Additionally, consider supplements like vitamins C, D, and B-12, which support various aspects of fertility and overall well-being.
Consult with Fertility Specialists
Scheduling a consultation with a fertility expert can streamline your conception journey:
- Timing Matters: If you're under 35, seek specialist consultation after a year of unsuccessful attempts. For those above 35, consider a consultation after six months, and for women 40 and older, early intervention is advisable.
- IVF FLORIDA's Commitment: Recognizing the sensitivity surrounding fertility, IVF FLORIDA is dedicated to offering compassionate, personalized care. Our specialists collaborate with you to create individualized treatment strategies aligned with your unique needs.
Embarking on the path to parenthood is a complex journey. Equip yourself with knowledge, resources, and expert guidance.
Ready to take the next step?
Connect with the compassionate team at IVF FLORIDA. Schedule your consultation today, and let's navigate this journey together.
By
IVF FLORIDA at 28 Dec 2023