Serum IVF Athens Greece - Diary

[JayJayD]

After my WhatsApp consultation with Dr Makis on 13Sep2024, I’m now in Athens! First time in Athens and it feels surreal. I just had my first face to face appointment at Serum IVF (landed in Athens last night) with gorgeous Dr Makis this morning at 9:20am. So far so good. I had my scan & bloods done at Serum before 11am and then an in-depth discussion with Dr Makis. For the first time someone explained things so clearly to me! (My first failed IVF experience back in U.K. was very disappointing). Now it’s 12:43 I’ve already done my pre-hysteroscopy tests at the hospital (which is 15 minutes Uber away from Serum). Tomorrow morning I will come back to the hospital to do the Hysteroscopy. Around 11am tomorrow I’m asked to go back to Serum to discuss my treatment plans. I’m 40 years old and Dr Makis agreed that I don’t need PRP as they saw 13 follicles this morning and things seem ok so far. We discussed potentially doing fresh transfer as opposed to PGTa. My husband is arriving in Athens this afternoon and he will do semen analysis at Serum tomorrow morning. Tomorrow we need to pay c. 2800 euros for the pre-checks & Hysteroscopy etc. Feeling hopeful. Serum seems really professional and they explain things clearly which is something I never experienced back in the UK. Here I don’t feel I am just a number in the production line. Fingers crossed 🤞

I’ve done my IVF in the UK so not something I’ve experienced but I didn’t want to read and run. Wishing you the best of luck!

Day 2 in Athens. So last night Hubby landed. This morning we got up super early at 5:30am to be at the hospital by 6:30am to start Hysteroscopy at 7:30am. Paid the hospital 700 euros and signed a bunch of paperwork. I was given general anaesthetics at c7:30am and by 9:20am I woke up in a different patient recovery room and was told it’s all done & given a USB stick with the video of the operation. At 11:30am we were at Serum clinic what meetings with Dr Makis and midwife and by 15:00 we walked out with prescriptions and draft protocols and next steps etc. Everything was really clear & relatively smooth. Greek people are just so chilled & friendly (with a bit of pessimistic undertone but relaxed and friendly). Husband found it refreshing too. We both suffered a lot back in U.K. during our failed first round where they didn’t explain anything clearly, took ages to get any answers or clarity. So this type of efficiency and clarity is so refreshing! Within less than 48 hours, we’ve done pre-checks, hysteroscopy, semen analysis and a draft protocols and this afternoon we will collect all (but 2) pills & drugs as prescribed at a pharmacy in Athens city center who already confirmed everything is ready to be collected! We made some pretty big decisions today: we will do fresh transfers as opposed to PGTAs this time; we will work on improving sperm quality with supplements & antibiotics; and work on natural killer cells depending on exact test results which will come out in 2 weeks. I was worried about language barrier but actually almost all doctors & nurses speak good English. They speak slowly but clearly and it’s exactly what I need to really listen & pay attention! Fingers crossed about the results & treatment plans going forward!

Thanks so much! ❤️

Hi, I’m heading over back to Athens next month for a hysteroscopy I was advised I only need to come for 2 days was this the same for you?
Currently trying to organise flights/times
thank you xx

How was you're ivf with serum?x

Hi @JayJayD how was your experience with Dr Makis? Preparing do do my first Serum cycle (4th overall) with him next month. As he is new to the clinic I would love to hear any feedback if you're happy to share? Thanks

Serum has to change my doctor. Dr Makis was assigned. I don't find any difference in the sense of their expertise. The clinic has one voice or same approach with foreigner. They are too chill indeed and it also means they are chilled with something you find serious.

Hi @JoyIsTheKey thanks for sharing this, it sounds like your experience with Serum was not great overall. Did you have any interactions with Dr Meredis? I am wondering if I should request to have him as my treating doctor instead of Dr Makis since he is the director. We have a lot of complicating factors (I'm 43 with endometritis, suspected endometriosis, and there are male factor issues as well). Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks

Hi @CaptainCourage it is important that you feel comfortable with the practitioner. Emotional and stress management are as important as the medical intervention.

My eggs collection was in the end done by a more senior male doctor. This was not requested . I need to check the collection document to confirm name. I was not sure if serum always has a certain doctor performing collection. I was told Serum medical team look at all cases together.

Personally I don't see any harm to request change. Afterall you need to feel well advised, informed and treated .

I would suggest do well research on issues you face and gather knowledge from global sources. It helps you assess what you are receiving from Serum . Ask Serum questions. I am sure they will answer. If not then ask again.

PS I am slightly older than you but no other issues.

Very important to be well documented and chose the clinic well.
However many clinics would follow standard practices and don't update themselves. Serum makes no exemption.
Best example is whenever there is male factor.

Minimal investigations should be done for a man with low sperm counts including Testosterone, LH, FSH.
If sperm counts is below 5 mil/ml then Karyotype and Y chromosome microdeletion should be done even prior starting any IVF treatment. Otherwise these genes will passed to any son.

Hey what ended up happening? We only got two days of your story!