| Oh what a fantastic experience we had working with IVF-Vacations, in July of 2006! Our experience was so wonderful, that we would like to share it with you. Before we even left for Czech, Marcela was in constant contact, answering all questions and giving needed information via e-mail. Her genuinely kind nature, along with her true bi-lingual ability, resulted in her being the perfect interface between us in the States and all information from the Czech. Though not a short flight, once we arrived, Craig was there with a sign to meet us and drive us to Zlin. Craig’s punctuality and fun nature provided for a seemingly quick drive from Prague to Zlin. Our first stop in Zlin was the hotel, Hotel Saloon. The room was a suite, so it had a big bathtub and a separate bedroom from the living room. The room also had a TV and a mini fridge. We stayed in the Hotel Saloon for the first few days, but we decided to move to the Penzion Uno for a quieter place to stay. The Penzion Uno is more of a bed a breakfast than a Hotel. It is family operated, and they are very nice. The owners speak little English, however the daughter speaks English pretty well. But, that really wasn’t a problem. We got the breakfast option with the room for 100 Czech crowns a day (about $4.50 USD). Our room was smaller than the Hotel Saloon, and there was no mini fridge, but the Penzion was more romantic and located half way up a mountain, so it was quiet and beautiful. The walk from the center of town to the Penzion was not easy, but we got used to it. We found the clinic to be as nice if not nicer than any clinic we had been to in the US. Dr. Anna speaks English very well, and Marcela was with us for every appointment just in case there were any language barriers which could have been encountered. Craig and Marcela’s punctuality was impeccable. Never was there a concern about when they were going to arrive – they constantly kept us informed, and always followed through with their word. We have been trying to conceive for 4 years now, and have been though 3 AI and 2 IVF’s, so we were pretty familiar with the protocol. I would suggest to anybody going on an IVF Vacation as their first time trying IVF to definitely talk to a few people who have gone through the process, so you know what to expect in terms of medicines, appointments, ultrasounds, etc. Get as many details as possible before you go. I was very impressed with the entire staff at the clinic. They were all so nice and caring - they brought a tear to my eye with their few but such kind words. Dr. Anna is an excellent Doctor. Procedures that were painful for me in the past, were effortless under his care. We felt honored to be treated by such a fantastic Doctor. We took two trips while there, one to Vienna, and one to Prague. The trip to Vienna required 4 train changes and a bus ride in the middle. It was only suppose to be a 3 hour trip, but a train was late, so we missed a connection and it took more like 5 hours to get there. We are not afraid to ask for help, so we often would point to our ticket and ask “Gde –a” Which means “Where is”. I recommend learning as much of the language as possible before going, not many people in Zlin admit they can speak a little English. I also recommend carrying a book with Czech words or sentences in it so you can at least point to the book when you have a question. We only stayed a day in Vienna and now looking back, we probably should have tried to stay there a night or two. The trip to Prague was much easier; just one, four-hour train ride. Prague is beautiful, we loved our day trip there so much we decided at the end of our trip to head to the airport a few days early and stay in Prague a few nights. The people in Czech Republic are warm-hearted and enjoyable to be around. By the end of the trip, we felt that Marcela and Craig were more like friends than business associates. We are at the tail end of our dreaded 2 week wait. I’m scheduled for a pregnancy test in two days, and it seems like an eternity. My husband and I already decided we would welcome the opportunity to do the IVF Vacation again if we don’t get pregnant this time. We would strongly recommend IVF Vacation to anyone considering it, and we also decided, no matter what the outcome is, we want to sometime go back to the Czech Republic. Thanks Marcela and Craig!! Robert and Frances, Chicago, IL September 2006 - unfortunately it didn't work this time but after consideration Robert and Francis are planning to return next year. March 2007 - Francis will be taking her Lupron injection in few weeks, they are coming to Czech at the begin of June and they put their dibs on the Pension Uno. They are excited about the new donor and a new chance. July 2007 - 2557 is my HCG level. So do ya think I'm pregnant or what!?! Marcela...we are having a baby. I'm still in shock. We will find out in a week if it is twins or not. After giving me the HCG level on the phone, my clinic asked me how many embryos were transferred, I said 12. All I heard on the other end of the phone was dead silence. I bet they were thinking...what are they doing over there in the Czech Republic??? I told them I was just kidding and only 2 were transferred. We all had a good laugh over that. Marcela, I don't know how to thank you enough to help make our dream a reality. You and Craig are good people with good hearts. Please add Robert and Francis to your list of success stories :). Latest news! TWINS! April 2008 -Frances delivered the babies -boy and girl in March and they are 10 weeks now, both weighing about 10 lbs, they are very chipper and their parents couldn't be happier. |