Lister consultants - Most empathetic?

[keykey1234]

Hello,

I am looking to identify the most empathetic Lister consultant and I was hoping I might get some input here and see if anyone has had an outstanding experience at Lister?

For some context - my partner and I have been ttc for about 4 years now. I am extremely reluctant to engage into the IVF process as our infertility still remains unexplained despite many tests over the years. I really would like to find a consultant who will have patience and understanding for all of my questions (of which there will be many) and who is very responsive and kind.

Dr Jonathan Ramsey recommended us three consultants: Dr Colin Davis, Dr Vivian Rittenberg and Dr Gavin Kemball.

So far my experience has been somewhat disappointing. I reached out to Evewell for an intro call and asked to book an initial appointment - aside of very limited knowledge of the person taking my call which was a waste of time, my appointment request was followed by an email which broadly boils down to "Mr Davis is super busy and important so you may or may not see him, but we will make sure you are looked after". My hesitance to continue with Evewell was further reinforced after a friend of mine had an extremely bad experience with Dr Davis.

We saw Dr Rittenberg, who was lovely and we would have very likely continued with her, but Lister mislead us (to some extent), as Dr Rittenberg is relocating to France. I followed up with an email to ask about her further recommendation for a good fit for us, as she has met us, but I got no response. Whether or not this was just lost in bad transition admin I don't know, but definitely not the best result.
We are now left with our last recommendation for Lister, Dr Gavin Kemball. Before we actually make an appointment with him and set ourselves up for another emotional drain, I am reaching out to you here to see if anyone has an experience to share?

Any advice will be welcome! I feel very fragile and sensitive going into an environment which makes me feel my body is a baby delivery vessel and measures success by "live births" with very little space left for me as woman/human in the whole process. I know this attitude is not the healthiest one to have starting an IVF journey and this is why I think the consultant I choose foremost has to show a strong sense of empathy in order to set myself up for success.

Thank you!

I think you should reach out to a counsellor experienced in infertility issues.
It sounds like you're fixating a lot on the consultant and their bedside manner, which is important (also had multiple consultations) but at the end of the day successful treatment is the goal.

Not all cases of infertility can be explained by the testing routinely available, so in some cases IVF might be using a hammer to crack a nut, but it is more likely to be successful than Clomid or Metformin or IUI, though you may want to try any or all of those first.

In my last clinic I had a consultant who we really liked and was good, but did not do all my egg collections, it depends on availability. The time when I most appreciated a consultant I was comfortable with was transfer, but sometimes with any medical procedure (not just fertility related) you might not like the doctor but you don't have to like them, you only have to know that they are good at what they do.

Good luck with your next steps.

My main consultant at Lister was James Nicopoulas (clinical Director). Amazing Dr, to the point and empathetic and honest as well. I've had the pleasure of meeting Dr Gavin Kemball, Dr Vivian Rittenberg and another arabic Dr who were all soooo incredible. I found Dr Kemball the most informative, he once had to do a consultation post cycle with me and his letter was so detailed, we talked through many options for the following time and supplements to add.

I unfortunately did not fall pregnant with Lister over many cycles but am aware of many who have. The after care is great too. I would ask them to ensure all pre-lim tests are done such as sperm analysis, HSG etc

The nurses and sonographers are so lovely too.

try these email addresses for the secretaries

[email protected]
[email protected]

Hi, I know this is an old post but I have seen Dr Kemball at the Lister and I found him to be highly empathetic, and patient with my questions. He was a very kind and personable doctor so I would certainly give it a go.