Dr. Kwak - Kim
#1
Posted 05 January 2013 - 03:55 PM
Just wondering if anyone has explored immunology testing with Dr. Kwak - Kim based in Chicago? If so, I would love to hear about your experience, including what kind of costs to expect?
Or has anyone travelled to the US to get immunology testing done on their own without assistance from your RE in Canada? I know there are only a select few in Canada that deal with this issue and am going on the wait list for Dr. Virro but his wait time is so long, I would love to pursue other options in the meantime.
Thanks so much.
#2
Posted 05 January 2013 - 04:42 PM
I haven't gone to Dr. Kwak Kim, but I'm on an immunology support group site and there are lots of posts about her. I have considered going to her, but from what I gather it is expensive since my insurance likely wouldn't cover her consults, tests, or meds. Plus you may have to find an RE that would work with her treatments (if you don't want to do it without your RE knowing).
I've heard from other girls that the 1st visit ranges from 1-3K (I've also heard a 3-5K range as well). The first appointment must be in person. Then she sets up another appointment with you 3wks later to review blood work and her recommendations for moving forward. The blood work is about $2,000. Depending on your protocol, you could require blood tests every 2 weeks if you become pregnant, plus I think she charges 280$/month for monitoring fees. Apparently girls like the fact that she monitors you the entire way through your pregnancy, unlike other RIs.
Once you submit paper work, I think the waiting list for the 1st appointment is about 2 months.
This is all based on what other girls have posted. There are many success stories and, overall, girls have very positive things to say about Kwak-Kim.
You can check out the support group and post something there. There are plenty of patients currently under her care that would have alot of info for you.
go to: immunologysupport@yahoogroups.com
Best of luck! and keep me posted if you end up going since I would love to consider this if I could afford it.
TTC since I was 28; Started fertility treatments at 35.
Dx: Male factor, Hashimotos, fibroids
April 2011-13 eggs retrieved: all dead except 1 immature egg that was ICSI'd; no embryos to transfer
Switched from Calgary RFP to VFC
IVF#2: November 2012, donor egg cycle- chemical pregnancy
FET#1: Feb 2013- m/c @ 6 weeks
Sept 2013: Abdominal myomectomy done. Giant fibroids removed with my uterus intact! I love Dr. Allaire!
January 2014: Surrogacy- FET cycle, BFN.
FET#2: May 2014-BFP
May 26 beta=335, May 28 beta=812, May 30 beta=2004
Baby girl born January 2015
#3
Posted 06 January 2013 - 12:21 PM
All the best!
#4
Posted 01 April 2014 - 05:47 AM
Just wondering how your consult is progressing. After 2 chemicals and 4 m/c, including 2 fresh donor cycles, I am considering seeing dr. Kwak-Kim as well. Any info is appreciated.