Doctor Kaldas has been an instrumental part of my journey from the heartache of infertility to the joys of childbirth. To say our family would not exist as it does today without Dr. Kaldas is not an exaggeration. He calmly and confidently took on my complex case after many other highly-recommended surgeons said it couldn’t be done, he also guided me through the entire infertility journey, often giving me courage when I was ready to give up.
Dr. Kaldas is a brilliant surgeon, yet approaches each patient with humility, class, and individual attention. He is transparent in communicating challenges and trade-offs of the medical and surgical options available, while helping his patients maintain hope, and preventing them from becoming overwhelmed. Without question, Dr. Kaldas and his staff have provided the best medical care that my family and I have ever encountered. He has brought tremendous joy to our lives when we were ready to accept heartbreak.
My Journey
I was referred to Dr. Kaldas nearly 15 years ago after three highly-regarded doctors referred to my abdominal cavity as “a complete mess” and were quite clear that I would never conceive. I spoke to friends, my primary physician, and others who were struggling with infertility. Everyone had glowing reviews about Dr. Kaldas as an OBGYN and as a person.
I had all of my surgical notes, labs, and ultrasound images sent to his office prior to my first appointment and was quite prepared for a doctor who talked more than he listened and issued directives instead of partnering with the patient to build a plan. Instead, this wonderful, soft-spoken man entered the room, shook my hand, and listened to every word as I relived the challenges I had faced up to that point. I waited for him to tell me that there was nothing he could do to help me, but it never came. Instead, he provided options of procedures that we could try and communicated in such a way that I distinctly remember thinking, “this man is on my team, if anyone can help me it’s him.” We spent the next few years working towards my goal of conceiving. Unfortunately, my fallopian tubes were damaged too severely to allow natural conception to occur. When Dr. Kaldas felt that IVF was the best route he again sat me down and gently guided me that direction.
Partnering Through IVF
I found a doctor in MN who has very solid IVF success rates. Dr. Kaldas’ team made sure all of my records were sent to MN before my arrival. I went through IVF and was so fortunate to become pregnant on my very first try. I went back to Dr. Kaldas for my prenatal care. Early into the pregnancy we learned that I was pregnant with twins, but that it was an ectopic pregnancy. Dr. Kaldas was there to repair my uterus after it ruptured. Again, I was utterly devastated and contemplated giving up. At my follow-up appointment Dr. Kaldas was incredibly supportive and positive. He assured me that I could become pregnant again and that I could safely carry a baby to term.
A year later my husband and I tried IVF again, and became pregnant again. I went back to Dr. Kaldas for my prenatal care. Midway through the pregnancy my family moved to Wausau, WI. It was my desire to continue care with Doctor Kaldas and his team, but I was concerned that it would be risky given that it was a two hour commute to his office. My husband and I spoke to Dr. Kaldas and he was happy to continue my care. As I approached the end of my pregnancy Dr. Kaldas monitored me for contractions twice a week. At week 36 my contractions were close enough together that it was time for my beautiful son to be born. The experience was incredible and we were both healthy.
Care from Out of State
Eighteen months after my son was born my husband and I decided that we were ready to try again. The challenge this time was that we had moved to Fort Worth, Texas, but we knew that Dr Kaldas was the only doctor we wanted to continue to work with. Prior to scheduling IVF I contacted the Kaldas Center to discuss whether it would be a viable option for me to deliver with Dr. Kaldas. Within hours Dr. Kaldas’ nurse, Kate, contacted me and we developed a plan that eased my concerns. I saw an OBGYN in Texas for the first several months of my pregnancy. However, I was able to see Dr. Kaldas at weeks 10 and 20, and at 34 weeks my family drove up to Appleton, WI. My husband and I were delighted to welcome our daughter a few weeks later.
I have and will continue to recommend Dr. Kaldas to anyone who is experiencing fertility issues. Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable, a very competent surgeon, he also is positive and compassionate. I will continue to travel to Wisconsin from Texas annually for care.
Jamie Seil - Fort Worth, Texas