Search

Barry A. Ripps, M.D.
Phone: (850) 857-3733

Carol and Ken
Mason & CharlizeMason & CharlizeMy husband and I, like many couples, always dreamed of getting married and starting a family. We had been married for four years now and after two previous ectopic pregnancies, our journey to become parents became a long and difficult one. After the second tubal pregnancy, the doctors then recommended In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), and we were referred to a military-affiliated IVF Center in Washington D.C.

Our first attempt at IVF was unsuccessful and I developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome creating a miserable experience from beginning to end. After that first failed cycle, our doctor could not explain why the treatment did not work but offered another IVF cycle. Ken and I were desperate to have children and we went ahead and prepared emotionally and financially for the next cycle. Even though the program provides service to military personnel, we still were responsible for thousands of dollars in charges. Surprisingly, the second cycle was not any better for us as I ended up with hyperstimulation and this time I was in severe pain. I thought that maybe I wasn’t meant to have children and became critical of myself. With the negative pregnancy results, I became depressed. The doctors called us and offered yet a third cycle. There was no way we would do another IVF cycle as we had lost confidence in their IVF service.

One year later Ken and I moved to Florida where I went in for a routine visit with an Ob/Gyn. The doctor on base read through my records, and referred us out of the military system to the New Leaders In Fertility and Endocrinology. Dr. Ripps also recommended IVF for us. Call it male intuition but Ken and I enjoyed the extra time given by Dr. Ripps and his staff members and felt encouraged and confident once again.

This time I actually enjoyed going through treatment. I did not feel like another nameless patient and I didn’t get sick like the previous two cycles. I felt very relaxed and comfortable going to my appointments. The environment in the office was pleasant, like a home and not once did I feel uneasy. The experience in Pensacola was so different because I knew that the staff had done everything they could to help make this cycle a success. The nurse called to congratulate us on our success: I was pregnant!
Ken and I wish we would of heard about going to a private program much sooner. We spent more time and money on the first two cycles than we did on one cycle with Dr. Ripps. Although our Tricare insurance would not help us, we were able to reduce the cost and find assistance through the military hospitals. For all the other military couples that are dealing with infertility, we will tell you not to give up. We have our two miracles and owe it all to the staff at the New Leaders In Fertility and Endocrinology, affectionately known as "New LIFE".

Carol and Kenneth
 
[ Back ]