Clinics new measures in place

[Bearsmum15]

Hi

I just read on FB that their clinics are asking the to self isolate throughout their whole cycle (not sure if it was fresh or frozen).
It got me thinking as im due to fly overseas for a mini break in august, 2 days after i plan to start Progynova (if the flights are not cancelled).

1. has anyone else's clinics told them to self isolate whilst in treatment?
   
   
2. Has anyone been told not to travel abroad whilst cycling?
   
   Thanks

[ivfgottostaypositive]

I had to have a Covid Consultation appointment with my clinic (Create) and sign a disclaimer prior to starting. It doesn't say I have to self isolate during treatment - they can't really demand that - especially if you have to work - you can't just take weeks off (6 weeks if it's for long protocol IVF)

Both my and husband and I had to sign to say we'd observe social distancing instead for the duration of treatment which is obviously much more reasonable and that we hadn't come into contact with any confirmed cases or indeed had any symptoms ourselves

Flying is a bit problematic though as you can't observe social distancing on planes and they are known for being a breeding ground for the virus.......but it's not until August so you'd hope that cases will be much fewer by then.....

I'd ask your clinic what their policy is - what their expectations of you is

My clinic is also offering covid tests - perhaps you could ask to be tested when you get back to be on the safe side (for you and the staff and ultimately other patients as if you happen to catch it and pass it to staff and patients you're going to massively effect lots of peoples treatment as well as your own and also this time most clinics are making people pay abortive costs if the cycle gets stopped if you catch the virus unlike before the lockdown)

[Bearsmum15]

Hi

Thanks for the reply.

The clinic have already told me that they will be testing me for Covid a few days before transfer is scheduled so im hoping that will be enough.
I have loosely worked out that as i am starting down regulation on day 21, i actually fly on day 24 (its only for 3 nights).
So i could just about manage, at a push, to stay away from the clinic for the 2 weeks.

[HallowsandHorcruxes]

Hi, my clinic is exactly the same as @ivfgottostaypositive, signed the disclaimer about social distancing and not having had any symptoms etc

They haven't told me to completely self isolate and no specific mention of travel, though I have no plans to so haven't asked about it.

That's interesting that they are going to test you for Covid though, I haven't heard that my clinic plan to do that.

[Bearsmum15]

I may just play it by ear then.

If they dont mention travel then surely its not a necessity for me not too.

Ive heard other clinics testing for covid. The nurse told me that they test to ensure that the theatre is not at risk.

[ChatWithMe]

We have covid consent to treatment forms to sign at our zoom appointment next week. Then it costs us £150 in total to be tested (twice) before embryo transfer (FET). Will be told next week if I get to do this transfer in June or July. Tbh I'm assuming it's gonna fail so I'm already planning the last ICSI cycle in my head for September lol. Anyhow, yes covid test and cost is new plus appointments via phone and zoom so we're experiencing some crazy times now I'd say!

[Lemongrass1]

We’ve had to sign consent forms to say we would follow social distancing rules. We also have to consent to a covid test whenever requested and the first one will be when I go for first face to face appt. Told cycle will be cancelled if test positive at any point. Nothing about self isolating or not travelling. But let’s be frank, they can’t enforce any of this! I suspect the form is more to cover their own liability and to reduce the risk of your cycle being cancelled if you develop covid.

[Lemongrass1]

Just to add the swabs are compulsory for anyone having treatment at our clinic so if refused at any point they will cancel the cycle

[Lemongrass1]

Also I’m not suggesting to not follow social distancing rules. My first post came out a bit wrong. But I’d check with your clinic directly what their rules and policies are. And bear in mind August is still a little while away and rules may well be different by then, could be stricter could be less strict. We just don’t know how things will work out

[Bearsmum15]

Lemongrass - are you having to pay for your covid test like Chatwithme is?

I feel its a bit bad to ask you to pay for the test.

Sorry you feel so negative about your cycle, I felt like that on my last FET in March.
Try to think positive (easy said than done)

[Lemongrass1]

They haven’t mentioned cost, but I’m sure there will be a bill. I think I’m just a bit frustrated with some aspects of their policy. For example my OH is supposed to be swabbed for covid too. They are only swabbing him to make sure he’s ok to come into the clinic. But I’ve pointed out he wouldn’t need to come to the clinic at all if they didn’t swab him as we’ve already signed the consents which are still valid. It feels like they haven’t thought it through properly as they are actually increasing the number of people going into the clinic unnecessarily. I should probably cut them a bit more slack though as it’s all new and everyone is still figuring out how best to proceed.

Apologies for derailing your post @Bearsmum15

[Shamoo]

We have been told I will be tested twice during the process for COVID and if I have it, it all stops. I also have to self-isolate after the second test before egg collection (so for a few days). Partner not allowed in to any of the appointments other than first and egg collection, not even transfer. Not great but I understand why.

[Bearsmum15]

Lemongrass - that does sound very strange doesn't it? My OH needs to come to 1 app, which is to sign some forms and he wont be swabbed..

Shamoo - its a shame partners are not allowed in. My last transfer in March i did on my own, this was not due to Covid but his work schedule and although i would have preferred him there, it wasnt at all bad. X

[JeNeBaguetteRien]

I've seen some people on here say partners have signed forms "witnessed" by clinic staff via zoom or similar so the male doesn't need to go to the clinic for that, just egg collection.

Of course they can't enforce social distancing but I'd want to keep risk of a cancelled cycle as low as possible with the cost of medication and all the hassle of starting again, as well as the additional wait. I had cycle cancelled in March and was over £1k down due to meds and ultrasounds. This is because my clinic is abroad though even if I'd been there it would have been cancelled.

@bears I'd be surprised if clinics didn't add on the cost of testing whether being upfront like @ChatWithMe or by calling it a Covid Surcharge or some such.
They are businesses and paying for tests would affect their profits, and they're presumably already losing money on testing staff and carrying out fewer treatments due to social distancing and cleaning consultation rooms etc.

@Lemongrass1 that is frustrating they are making him come in unnecessarily.

[ivfgottostaypositive]

Pretty sure clinics will charge for the tests - you rarely get anything free out of them

I've done all my transfers on my own and don't mind it - it's not like they take long - 30 mins tops and the actual transfer itself is about 5 mins

I think it's important to be honest and upfront when filling in the forms and adhering to their policy of social distancing/self isolation- I'd hate to think I was responsible for putting others at risk of infection, cancellation of treatment or the closure of a clinic since we've all waited for what feels like forever for clinics to be allowed to reopen