Being ref for IVF at Leeds, anyone care to share their Leeds experience.

[katieferg81]

After TTC since May 2013, undergoing various tests and still being none the wiser other than discovering a right hand hydrosalpinx which shouldn't really make a difference we have today been ref to Leeds for IVF.
So has anyone had IVF at Leeds and if so what was your experience? is there anything that I should be asking? what were waiting times like? And what was your timeline between first app and BFP/BFN?
To be honest I know very little about IVF as there is that much information available when I try to read through it all I just end up confused.
TIA

[MoMandaS]

We had our first cycle at Leeds a few years ago. It was successful but a very frustrating process. Admin is terrible. Care on the day not great. We went back to try for second child but got so frustrated with the process that we were now paying for, we gave up and went elsewhere. Also, they gave us incorrect advice/statistics which was either gross incompetence or to get us to spend more money. Still, as I say, the end result was good and they might have improved since. Very best of luck to you

[MoMandaS]

Oh and timeline between the nurse appointment that kicks it all off and bfp was 3 months - depends on when your period falls, what protocol you're on and how long you take to respond but you're looking at around 8 weeks on average.

[katieferg81]

Thanks that's really helpful the consultant who ref us did say that they don't do the holistic caring approach but that they get good success rates our other option was Bradford but they don't do the full process there and we would eventually end up being ref to Leeds Sheffield or Manchester so for continuity and geography we picked Leeds from the off. At least for warned is for armed when it comes to the terrible administration and below par care I'll be accepting of that if it's successful.

[MoMandaS]

Yes, geography definitely worth bearing in mind when you'll be going back and forth every other day for scans in the last phase! On the way to your embryo transfer, put a hot water bottle on your abdomen and make sure you keep warm (no hot water bottle afterwards though).

[katieferg81]

Thanks I'd have never have considered something as simple as a hot water bottle and I bet that's the kind of advice they don't think to give you at hospital
It's all just a bit overwhelming at the moment I guess I was (naively) at some point expecting they'd turn around and go this is the exact problem here is the cure now go and make a baby, if only infertility was that simple!

[Chattycat78]

I had ivf at seacroft in 2014. Reckon it took about 3/4 months from initial consultation to cycling/bfp. I found them good- nurses helpful etc. We only saw the consultant once or twice. I'd Name her but I didn't think U were allowed to on this site (?). She was good too.

[katieferg81]

Thanks it gives me a bit of an idea as to what I need to think about and what I can plan for.

[CastleFeck]

I can't help with NHS time scales as it's years ago since mine, but I've used Seacroft privately twice in the past 5 years and can't fault them. The secretaries are practically doctors they know so much and sorted every query I had. The staff were all great. The unit is modern and nice. Most importantly I'm pregnant.

Good luck.

[katieferg81]

Congratulations and fab another success story after what seems like a very long and emotional 3 plus years

[einalem1984]

Yes, had successful IVF at seacroft hospital last year and we now have a 10 week old baby girl
It's quite a long process and both physically and emotionally draining which they don't really prepare you for. Lots of different appointments for scans and EC and ET but obviously if it works it's worth it! I found injecting myself hard as I'm scared of injections but I had to do it and it helped my fear a bit. Good luck!

[katieferg81]

Thanks for the reply and it's nice to hear it was a sucess. If you don't mind me asking were you NHS or self fund and if the former what was your timescale between being ref and BFP.

[einalem1984]

I was NHS. Had laparoscopic surgery in the October then started prostap injections in January which stopped my periods and is basically like a forced menopause to stop further growth of my endometriosis. Then I think I started IVF around March x

[katieferg81]

Thanks we were ref in Jan so I'm just waiting for that initial appointment letter to come through the door.

[Applepieandcheese]

I had IVF treatment at LGI. It was a long time ago so may not apply now. I wanted to say that my chances of getting pregnant weren't good (over 40). However the team were excellent and two cycles later I had my son. I wouldn't say it was particulary patient centred - there was a feeling of 'this is hard get on with it'- which I must admit suited me. It is hard, you will find yourself with lots of apponitments so somewhere close to home is best. Be kind to yourself and your partner. Good luck.

[katieferg81]

Thank you fingers crossed the appointment comes through soon and we can start the ball rolling.

[einalem1984]

Good luck I hope it works for you

[brooker9]

Hi, I'm currently in a NHS IVF cycle in Leeds, egg collection next week fingers crossed! I had the initial tests/consultation privately then referred by my GP in Aug. Had an appt with consultant Oct then nurse (for forms, injection teaching, more blood tests) mid Nov and started in Jan (would have been Dec but xmas dates messed things up). Should know the outcome mid March. It seems like forever when you are waiting but actually isn't too long at all.
Leeds seems very busy and a bit chaotic but everyone I've seen has been kind and helpful. Feel free to ask me anything else

[katieferg81]

Thank you I hope it's successful for you. The consultant was referring us when we saw her in Jan after all my tests didn't identify a particular issue so I'm just waiting for my initial appt to come through. I'm a planner so I just like to have an indication of timescale to try and get my head around things.

[Hopeful16]

I'm sat nursing my icsi baby from Seacroft.

Accepted for treatment NYE 2015, treatment started end of April and positive test at the end of May - first time. We also have 2 frozen embryos so fingers crossed.

[katieferg81]

Thanks for the reply and so pleased it was successful for you.
If you don't mind me asking did you pay for the embryoscope and glue. We had our first appt last week and we've to go back around the end of April after a scan and the removal of a hydrosalpinx. The consultant told us about the extra items you have to pay for but I don't know if they are really worthwhile or not as I've read conflicting info.

[Hopeful16]

We paid for the camera to watch the embryos but didn't give a USB stick to record - which I know you can do.

We had 12 embryos collected and 4 reached blastocyst stage. 2 were put back and one is currently snoozing next to me - the other didn't implant. As I said before we hope to have another chance with the frozen 2.

[Hopeful16]

Not sure if the camera had any positive effect but we had a good result. I think it was around £750 - I was willing to pay it to give the very best chance with them not having to remove them to see the progress. Can't say for sure if it made any difference.

The whole process is a real rollercoaster- I found more mentally than physically. I hate needles but coped with the injection side really well but the 2 week wait was testing!

[katieferg81]

They seem to think we stand a good chance but I guess often it's just the luck of the drawer on the day, fingers crossed we are as fortunate as yourself x

[Hopeful16]

Absolutely fingers crossed.

Just remember to follow their advice. I didn't drink from the first appointment when we were accepted for treatment and tried to eat as healthily as possible (although didn't go into crazy internet supplement ideas like I read some people do).

Most importantly take care of yourself and each other. Remember that this treatment is to make what you have together even better and not to let it destroy it. My OH is rubbish at talking but I made sure at every stage he understood what was going to happen and EXACTLY how I felt- it was kind of a therapy for me too.

I wish you the best of luck and hope that Seacroft has some magic for you too.

[Faye32]

Hi can anyone tell me how to contact this clinic tried email and rang but no answer