Levels of Training for NFP docs

Dr. Hilgers was kind enough to write me (some time ago, sorry for the delay) and let me know about the different levels of training Napro docs can get.  Many of you, especially fertilitycare practitioners yourself, already know this.  But others, like me, had no idea (thank you for those of you who did start to explain it to me under the comments section of previous posts and via email; the letter explained this in more detail).  This stemmed from the fact that at one time I saw a doc I thought was Napro (referred to by my former practitioner) and came to find out he only completed half the training once and never attended anything else to learn more.  While he was the nicest physician ever, it was frustrating.  Frustrating, but not disastrous because I am insanely fortunate to be on my second insurance that covers Dr. H as in network even though we are out of state (though I still curse them regularly, I am forever grateful)! Napro docs are listed on the fertilitycare.org site, but it doesn't distinguish the level of training, only that they've received it.  Here is what I learned.  First of all there are NFP only docs, and while arguably doing something noble and good and need our support and prayers, they have not received any training in Naprotechnology and therefore will not be qualified to just "wing it."  It is something that definitely requires specified training.  I have a wonderful ob/gyn that is NFP only at this time.  I go to him as "baby catcher" since Dr. H still manages my care.  I am excited to report to the locals that he will be attending the training in the fall, which is huge as he is the ONLY ob/gyn in this large metropolitan area that will be trained in Napro!  I digress...

The letter explained the levels of actual training available.  They are:
1. The medical consultant program, which is 16 days long and the basics are covered. There is a variety of physicians that come out of this, some good and some that just seek the certificate.
2. The next level is Certified Fertility Care Medical consultation. They do the same program but get additional certification through the organization that requires some peer review of cases and a three hr exam based on Hilger's textbook. I personally have found the good docs own and refer to this book regularly. Good is my own term, here being defined as "adhering closely to Dr. Hilgers' methods."  Dr. Hilgers himself  said this group "is the most enthusiastic and generally involved in their practice."
3. Finally, the most advanced program is the ob/gyn that has done the fellowship program to learn the surgical aspect of napro. They also know the medical components, but the surgery component allows them to be skilled at Hilgers' high tech methods of less adhesions/scar tissue and tube repair etc. In my opinion, these are the docs for sure well worth traveling several hours to go see for surgery if they are closer than Dr. H and/or Dr. H isn't covered by insurance. Personally, I would never trust another doc with even a lap again. Scarring is too big of a deal.

I am grateful for Dr. Hilgers, his methods, and his network of trained professionals.  I am sorry this information isn't more readily available, but now you have it.  Your personal experience and thoughts are welcome. 

Two Weeks in Omaha

In April 2006 I spent two weeks in Omaha doing all the testing recommended as well as some treatment including a laparoscopic surgery. The result was very informative- a comprehensive list of diagnoses (low progesterone, low estrogen, lutinized unruptured follicle syndrome, T3 conversion thyroid problem, factor V leiden clotting problem, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries and an infection that is known to lead to miscarriage and infertility), as well as a list of treatment options (Clomid, T3 compound, doxycycline, B6, estrace, hcg shots, prenatal vitamins, baby aspirin, and monthly amoxicillian). All of these treatments worked with my body, were specific to my problems and cycles, were morally acceptable, and the treatment was given at the lowest doses possible to be effective. The treatment were to be monitored for effectiveness, always guided by data (blood draws taken monthly). This sounds like it would be common sense, but it is virtually unheard of. In the field of infertility, it common for doctors to assume all women ovulate on day 14, for example; or that one needs to have 3 miscarriages before a reason for a cause is pursued since one or two miscarriages is considered “normal”, “common,” and “bad luck.” Now we were told that not only was my situation a serious one, but it was treatable. There was no way to know if the treatments would result in a successful pregancy or not, but we knew we were doing all we could. We were told to have the best chance possible, it was recommended we begin trying to conceive as soon as we got married. Of course, this wasn't in our original plan, but it was clearly God's plan. Future DH handled this news like a true pro, telling me it was a no brainer. I think I had a little more difficulty than he did, knowing that my PhD would likely not be completed on schedule. But we let it go and followed the advice. In fact, we asked if we could start the medications three cycles prior to our wedding date (we had a six month engagement) so that from day one we would be ready. After all, if we were going to try right away, we wanted to dive in head first! We got the go ahead.
The treatment recommendations were medication, but also shots that my DH started administering. Now if you knew my husband, you would know that he absolutely hates blood draws and shots. However, he is practical, and knew it didn't make sense for me to go to the doctor every time I needed a shot. So he learned how, and giving shots became his labor of love. It was actually pretty endearing. I would lay down on the bed face down and I could see him gearing up out of the corner of my eye. "One, two..." but then he would psych out and have to start again. I waited patiently to be stabbed, and he eventually got it done with a loud grunt. It wasn't painful, but it did cause a bit of a bruise. Small price to pay...The funniest part was that he was trained to ask me at a certain point if I was okay.  Inevitably, I would be the one, face down on the bed, asking him (behind me) if he was okay!  A total labor of love for both of us!