Choosing Your APAS Doctor

Choosing a doctor who will accompany you in your APAS journey is crucial.

Because you have to work with your doctors so often, it is only sensible that you feel comfortable when dealing with them. In the APAS Facebook Support Page, our APAS sisters usually give their own recommendation based on their experience but I really feel there is no other way to find out if you are hiyang with them unless you really meet them.

In the course of my APAS journey, I consulted two obstetricians and only maintained one immunologist. I was initially under Dr. Valerie Guinto and when she went to the US, I transferred to Dr. Sua-Lao. I then transferred back to Dr. Guinto when I got pregnant. My immunological treatments were done by Dr. Carol Gloria.

In my case, I consulted my OB-perinatologist almost every month when I was trying to conceive and every two weeks when we were already pregnant. As for my immunologist, I saw her every month as well.

There are some things that you need to consider when looking for a doctor (in my experience) and these are:

1. Affiliations. Which hospitals are they affiliated? This is important because treatment for APAS is not a one-time thing. You need to see your OB and immunologist quite often so their clinic location is very important for your convenience.
2. Schedule. If you are not working, then this should not be a problem. However, if you are a working mama like me, check out your doctor’s schedule and if it would fit yours. What I learned though in this journey is the value of patience. Most high-risk OBs and specialty doctors have a long queue of patients so you have really no choice but to wait.
3. Professional Fee. On top of the tests and treatments, your bills for consultation fees can easily pile up. Check your doctor’s professional fee for delivery so you can prepare for it, as well. I have heard some stories that there are some immunologist who charge a professional fee for a successful delivery.
4. Course of Treatment. Check with your doctor what is his/her planned treatment. Is it too aggressive for you? Do you want a more natural alternative? Understanding how your doctor will treat you and if it is aligned to what you want can spell future success.
5. Feeling of comfort. This is not something quantitative. It is really gut feel and I think that this is the most important factor of all. It is best if you feel that your doctor is one with you in this journey because there will be times that it can get very frustrating. In my case, it was very comforting that Dr. Valerie and Dr. Carol are just a text away.

Here is a list of my doctors for the treatment and pregnancy:

I was mostly under the care of Dr. Guinto for this whole APAS journey. When we were having a hard time to conceive (in 2014), I got a second opinion from Dr. Sua-Lao who is a laparoscopy specialist to check if there were blockages in my fallopian tube. Dr. Carol Gloria was my main immunologist but when I was admitted in St. Lukes during my first trimester because of hyperemesis gravidarum, Dr. CJ (Dr. Carol’s husband) was the one who took care of me.

I am eternally grateful to my doctors for taking care of me throughout this journey. What I love about Dr. Carol and Dr. Valerie is that they always encourage us to pray because more than the treatments, our fate still relies on Him. To have doctors who have the same faith as you do is something that is very comforting in times like this.

I pray that you find your own doctors soon to accompany you in  your APAS journey.

Babydust, loves!

P.S There are many other specialists that other APAS patients recommend in the group. If you are interested, you can request to join the APAS Facebook Page>> and message the admin to know more about APAS and other repro-immuno disorders.