Read What Couples Have To Say About Our Services
 4
October 2004
My experience
My husband and I had been trying to have a baby for 8 years.
The reason for my infertility is endometriosis and high FSH level
(poor egg quality). Our first IFV failed because of poor egg quality.
We were totally disappointed; furthermore, our Assisted Reproductive
Technology's (ART) physician suggested thinking of other ways
of becoming parents, such as adoption or egg donor, saying my
chances of getting pregnant with a 2nd IVF were less than 10%.
He also mentioned a study saying that acupuncture combined with
IFV has increased the success in pregnancy rates. I decided to
start acupuncture, but just to feel better, trying to relax my
mind and body after all I had been through. I also went to see
a reflexologyst and she encouraged me to change the acupuncture
doctor I was seeing for someone who will combine acupuncture with
Chinese Herbal Medicine.
I learned about Dr. Berkley through the Internet. He has been
such a blessing in our lives as he gives you all the support and
hope you need in those difficult moments. Dr. Berkley explained
to us that we could go ahead with his acupuncture and Chinese
Herbal Medicine treatment for 4 months and see if we could achieve
pregnancy in a natural way. If that did not happen, he recommended
trying a second IVF, but this time in combination with the acupuncture
and Chinese Herbal Medicine.
It was then when I decided to put all my effort in this challenge
and I prepared my body and mind for 6 months practicing reflexology,
yoga and Dr. Berkley's treatment.
During the treatment sometimes I felt that this was not going
to work and I was really getting tired; but Dr. Berkley kept telling
me that he knew I could do it and he felt good about this case.
After four months Dr. Berkley suggested to test my FSH level
again and surprisingly it had lowered since the last one taken.
Both, Dr. Berkley and I felt this was the right moment to go ahead
with a second IFV and continue with his treatment, as my body
was ready and my FSH level showed an important change.
I got ready physically and mentally, I spoke to my ART physician
and he said he was willing to work together with Dr. Berkley and
me, but he said I should not forget that my chances were less
than 10%. I decided to put all my effort in this and kept focused
and positive, thinking "I can do it".
On October 10th we happily received the great news that after
9 years I was finally pregnant and not only that: We were blessed
with twins!!
My baby boys were born on May 3rd, 2004 and although they were
born prematurely they are doing well and have brought happiness
to our lives. They are truly a blessing as well as all my physicians.
If you suffer from infertility I truly believe that Traditional
Chinese Medicine helped me getting pregnant in combination with
my ART physician and his embryologist methods. We do not know
exactly which specific method made it work; acupuncture, reflexology,
positive mind, prayers, chinese medicine, modern ART or all together.
But to all the people who help us on a direct or indirect way,
we are truly thankful.
God bless you all.
CPG.
Mike
Berkley, L.Ac.
The Berkley Center For Reproductive Wellness & Women's Health
250 West 57th Street
New York NY 10107
10/4/2004
Dear Dr. Berkley:
After trying to conceive for 8 long months, and disappointment
each month, I reluctantly scheduled an appointment with my ob/gyn.
After some simple preliminary testing, it was determined and explained
to me that I had elevated fsh. A pretty grim picture was given
as I was told I had premature ovarian failure; my chances of pregnancy
with my own eggs were slim. Donor eggs were presented as an option.
Donor what? I didn't even know what they were talking about and
it was presented as no big deal. It was a huge deal to me because
I wanted my own biological baby. I was in total shock and then
complete devastation set in. I was only 37 years old; how could
this be? I cried for days upon days; my emotions ranged from feeling
helpless, hopeless, frightened, sad, empty, and angry, yet oh
so desperate to have a baby.
A few weeks later, we started our first IUI cycle and I was so
excited; I thought this was the solution and I'd be pregnant in
no time. I was so sad when my home pregnancy test was negative.
I had just spent the last two weeks getting up at 5am, rushing
off to the doctor's office, having blood drawn, mixing medications,
and getting needles in my belly every night. And for what?
The crying set back in and I was a complete emotional wreck; I
could barely get through the day without crying. I felt like I
was on a wild roller coaster ride; the ups and downs each month
were so agonizing. I couldn't stand to see a pregnant woman or
a baby; it was just too painful because my heart ached for this.
Although my husband was so supportive, I still felt very lonely,
because how could he possibly understand how I felt? My body was
failing me, and felt like a failure as a woman. I was so sad and
depressed and knew this was only making matters worse. I knew
I couldn't go on like this, so I tried to stop crying long enough
to pick myself up and educate myself about my diagnosis. I was
not willing to accept what I was hearing. I sat at my computer
for many, many hours, searching and reading, and spent hours at
the bookstore. I was determined to find some kind of solution.
Then one day, while browsing the internet, I found the Resolve
website and it had an article about the benefits of acupuncture
in the treatment of infertility. Immediately, my interest was
sparked because I have always been interested in alternative/complimentary
medicine and before I knew it, I was on the phone scheduling an
appointment; I figured that I didn't have much to lose. I was
excited and anxious for my appointment. By this time, we had started
our second IUI cycle and I had several acupuncture sessions. I
was thrilled because I had responded very well to the medication
and couldn't help but wonder if the acupuncture had made the difference.
I thought for sure this was the month that I'd be pregnant, and
even expected twins, but disappointment again.
In the meantime, I went to another RE for a second opinion and
he delivered more bad news; I also had elevated E2 and again painted
a very grim picture. He said donor egg was my only option and
wouldn't even recommend IVF for me because it wouldn't work. I
was devastated yet again and felt like crawling under a rock.
I just couldn't comprehend how this could be happening to me.
I felt so sad for me and my husband; I wanted so much to give
him the baby that he hoped and prayed for.
I went back to my first doctor and he was ready to move on to
IVF, but I wasn't quite ready for that. I was scared to pursue
IVF, but knew it may be necessary. I became totally obsessed with
trying to get pregnant every month, researching, reading, etc.
It consumed every free moment that I had, but I just couldn't
help myself. I didn't know what else to do with myself and I just
couldn't let go of this whole idea of infertility.
I decided to continue my acupuncture sessions and start taking
the Chinese herbs that were prescribed. It was suggested that
treatment could be most beneficial if I continue this regimen
for 3 months since I had previously taken fertility drugs, so
I decided to make the commitment including the dietary changes
that were recommended. After making this decision, I immediately
felt a sense of relief. I felt that I had gained some control
back in my life because I had felt so helpless. I knew that I
was doing something positive and good for myself and that I was
giving my body every possible chance to become pregnant. Week
after week I traveled 2 hours to my acupuncture session and once
a month went for blood work to see how my fsh was.
After the first month, my fsh went from 20.3 down to 12.8. I was
so happy and I knew this was the right thing to do; this gave
me the encouragement I needed to continue on. The next month my
fsh was down to 11.6. During the three months that I did acupuncture
and herbs, I never felt better physically. I had more energy than
I ever had, and I even lost 15 pounds without even trying. I also
felt better mentally and emotionally; I was no longer depressed,
my overall stress was reduced, I was happier, I felt in control
of my life and my health, and was able to maintain a positive
attitude despite our struggle with infertility. I believed in
myself and in the choices that I had made.
We started our first IVF cycle in July, and to our surprise and
delight, we were successful the very first time. I believe I went
into the IVF cycle a very healthy person and this increased my
chance of success. It was a dream come true! When the home pregnancy
test showed positive, I laughed, and then cried. We did it, we
had beat the odds!! Everyday of my pregnancy, I felt truly blessed
and that I had my very own special little miracle growing inside
me. It was truly an indescribable feeling. Our daughter, Alyssa,
is now 6 months old, and I still look at her in disbelief; she
is so perfect and so beautiful. I can't believe she is really
here. I can't imagine my life without her, and I can't even remember
what my life was like before she came into this world.
For those couples that are struggling with infertility, don't
believe everything you hear. If I listened to the statistics regarding
my chance of success, I wouldn't have a beautiful baby daughter.
Educate yourself and know that there are options available to
you. There are things you can do to decrease the stress of infertility,
to regain some control, and to become healthy. If we decide to
have another baby, I will definitely pursue the same treatment.
Caralyn, Angel, and Alyssa P
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
The Berkley Center For Reproductive Wellness & Women's Health
250 West 57th Street
New York NY 10107
8/17/2004
Dear Dr. Berkley,
Hello, how are things with you? I hope you remember me (us), Mary
Jean and Ryszard.
We are one of your Success Stories. I just want to tell you we
did not forget the big help you have given us to become future
parents.
I am now going on my 28th weeks of my pregnancy, so far everything
is really going great, just like you said.
I refused to do the amniocentesis instead I did the ultra screen
and the results came back normal.
I also did the 5 month sonogram, afp test and all came back normal.
Unfortunately, we were not able to see the gender of the baby
because the legs were crossed and the umbilical cord was in between
the legs. It will be a real surprise. I will be going for the
3 hour glucose test tomorrow since my one hour test results was
high. I have only myself to blame for it because I as greedy for
ice cream and cookies. I am still working at present time and
plan to work until I can't handle it anymore.
I hope we still have a spot on your wall to show off our precious
miracle. My regards to Kathleen and your family.
I always thank the Lord for giving you to us to be an instrument
of our miracle of life. Again, thank you.
Forever Grateful,
Mary Jean & Ryszard
08/11/04
Dear Dr. Berkley,
I don't know how to thank you enough for being there for me during
this most difficult time for me. I feel like my life was turned
upside down 5 weeks ago when I learned that my FSH was high. I
had never even heard of FSH before.
I have been scouring through all the available information on
this condition and the more I learn the less I know. I would have
been entirely confused if it weren't for your endless guidance.
You have been there every single day for me. You have become my
infertility mentor.
You have given me more than the invaluable guidance that I have
needed. Dr. Berkley, you have been the only one who has been able
to give me the optimistic feelings I need to get throughout this.
Whenever I feel like giving up you give me the motivation I need
to keep going.
It is too soon to know if I will conceive my biological baby but
it isn't too soon to know that you have been the greatest support
that I have throughout this difficult time. Between the acupuncture,
the herbs, the guidance, and the support I don't know what I would
have done without you.
Thank you,
Leslie
Dr. Berkley
The Berkley Center For Reproductive Wellness & Women's Health
250 West 57th Street
New York, NY
10107
7/8/2004
Dear Dr. Berkley,
I'm not sure if you will receive this directly, but wanted to
thank you for your patience and understanding when I visited with
you last October.
The good news is, you never saw me again because, after only
three visits with you, I got pregnant!! We are due in five weeks
and deliriously overjoyed to welcome this new life into our lives.
I especially want to acknowledge the incredible compassion you
showed to me during the initiation session...you brought a level
of humanity to what had become a perfunctory process, and spent
far more time getting to know me than my OB/GYN had ever bothered
to spend.
Thanks again, and best of luck.
Regards,
Patti S.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
Doctor of Acupuncture (RI)
250 West 57th Street
Suite 1132
New York, NY 10107
7/6/2004
Dear Mike Berkley,
I have spent thousands of dollars on numerous treatments over
the past years. All without proper diagnoses which caused me so
much pain and stress. I had begun to lose faith that anyone could
help. More importantly, I also felt that no one cared enough to
take the time to give me a proper diagnosis.
All of that changed when I made contact with you. Your sincere,
caring manner is a welcome "breath of fresh air". Your
approach is so much different from any other Dr. I have been to
or heard of. You made sure to "leave no stone uncovered"
in my diagnosis. There were questions asked that no one ever even
thought to look into. Here is this wonderful Dr. in New York,
while I am here in the St. Louis, MO area, and he is the first
one to make a proper diagnosis!
After only slightly longer than 1 month of your treatment I feel
100% better than I have in years! My cycle has returned to normal
and I now have faith that you will help my husband and I conceive
the child that we have wanted for years.
I wish there was a way for me to let the whole world know about
you. To tell them …before they waste their money and precious
time on Doctors that don't diagnose properly and therefore do
not administer the proper treatment…to find you!
Words cannot express how very thankful I am! If anyone ever doubts
that you are the right Dr. for them, make sure you tell them to
call/email me.
Warm Regards,
Laura M
Mike Berkley, L.Ac., DA
250 West 57th Street
Suite 1132
New York, NY 10107
1-10-04
Dear Dr. Berkley,
I'd like to thank you and your very friendly staff for helping
the miracle
to happen. I am 10 weeks pregnant! It's difficult to express all
my
happiness and excitement, but I'm sure you understand. I'm very
greatful
for your help and support. I wish you all the best and will always
remember
what you did for me.
Best regards,
Katerina L
Mike Berkley, L.Ac., DA
250 West 57th Street
Suite 1132
New York, NY 10107
July 17th , 2003
Dear Dr. Berkley,
LOOK! Look what we did! SUCCESS!
How can my husband and I thank you enough? Every week I came
and every week you
were kind and supportive and knowledgeable and skillful I had
high FSH and through
your efforts and ours my cancelled IVF cycle was successful IUI.
(The chances of that
are normally about 1%!).
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Sincerely
Alexandra Perce
(And Adrian and Huck)
11/19/2002
Dr. Mike Berkley
250 West 57th Street
Suite 1132
New York, NY 10107
Dear Dr. Berkley,
I am thrilled to tell you that I just found out that I am pregnant!!
I truly feel the acupuncture helped me relax during a very stressful
time in my life. I appreciate all the individual time and care
that you took with me at each of my sessions. I looked forward
to coming to see you each week and considered my sessions to be
a big part of my path down the long road of infertility treatments.
You truly made me feel like this could happen.
Thanks for everything.
Dana
July
30,2002
Mike Berkley, L. Ac.
250 West 57th Street, Suite 1132
New York. NY 10107
Dear Dr. Berkley,
We can't thank you enough for the miracle you helped us achieve!
With your help and in an amazing five days, we were able lo turn
our baby head down to the correct birthing position and save me
from having to undergo a C-section. We are thrilled and amazed
that such a simple and risk-free procedure could yield such results.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge of the moxibustion procedure
with us, thank you dearly for your time, and thank you for your
compassion. You are genuinely a blessing to the community and
we are eternally grateful for having found you. Thank you ever
so much!
Sincerely,
Jana and Anthony
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