Fertility Clinic Appointments and Beyond..

[dogmam]

New thread for us to continue our fertility clinic appointment progress...

Some of us are waiting for initial appointments, some are having tests and some are starting treatment!

@PurpleUnicorn01 going to be a tough two week wait!

@thislittlebird yes private. Although it's one of our nhs clinic options. They do both. She was going to query it.

@paintfairy yeah my clinic consultant (my second choice after the preferred one retired) was very hand wavey about it all, like oh don’t worry, you can discuss that on the day! Well maybe I don’t want to, maybe I want an agreement on my record that you aren’t going to do what I don’t want. They do have a note on my file already saying I’m very uncomfortable with medical procedures. They’re so chillaxed about it and I’m really not.

@thislittlebird which actually doesn't reassure you at all?! And on the day is too late if its that or tough. Its cheaper for them and they don't have to have medically qualified staff for anaesthetic that way. But Jesus. It should be an option and they need to be planning it before.

@thislittlebird Is suppose sedation is cheaper, faster and less dangerous but I can understand why you are stressed about it. I know the procedures don't compare, but I had sedation when I had two colonoscopy's recently, and I have to admit, the sedation was great and I would use it again without hesitation.

Despite being fairly panicked as I entered the room, the staff were really kind and the sedation was strong enough for me to forget about the embarrassment/anticipated pain of the situation. I felt pretty much nothing from the procedure and I don't even remember most of it now. I remember looking at the screen and watching the camera move around my bowel (delightful) but it was like a dream. I was also given the option to use extra gas and air, but I didn't need it.

I would certainly call them up and talk about your options though if you are stressed about the situation xx

@juno231 Good luck with your funding, I hope they do not keep you waiting too long!

@thislittlebird - thank you! My story is rather uneventful. Been trying for our first for 2 years. Tried all the tricks in the book. Then, last September I decided I needed help and went to see the Gp who just sent us straight to the fertility clinic (after a blood test and a SA analysis). Our first clinic appointment was Feb 2021. They completed blood tests and scans and SA for my partner. Going from the tests we think our trouble could be coming from low sperm count/motility. So in June, the clinic sent our funding application off but said it would take three months to hear.
It has been quite slow for us but quite straight forward. We get married in December and ideally I would like to start my first round early October to avoid a clash but who knows!!

Hi all

Can i join and get some advice? i really don't know where to start or how to begin.

Just had my third MMC in a row, being trying for a year for our first. Got a scan today to ensure everything has happen natural.

It seems that the embryo stops developing from 6.5 wks.
My first was identified at my 12 weeks scan
2nd was at mc at 5 wks
3rd had a heartbeat at 5wks 5days thought i was 6wks and 1 day and according at my 7wk 3 days scan baby passed the same day of my first scan and didn't naturally mc till 8 and half weeks

Me and my husband are still positive but want answers to why this is happening or is it the roll of the dice and just unlucky.

My GP said book an appt after your scan and once your miscarriage to talk about referral, a real sensitive man.

I want to be armed with all the information as possible to get the right help, I even happy to pay for a private fertility assessment if you all advise me to.

Also to mention i have a short luteal phase of 10 days or less, could that be a contributing factor? I have read mixed reviews. X x

Thanks for any help and sorry for the long essay . X

Not have
Heard ** mixed reviews

@Jazz234 that's pretty similar to me, although I'm part way through my first round so I'm a little bit ahead of you. We had ICSI due to low motility and morphology, is that what you're planning on? Hopfully not long.

@Sandiesands hello, sorry that you've had to go through 3 misscarriges, that must be really really tough. I haven't been through that however I am waiting to start my frozen embryo transfer and have been given medication ready for when the embryo is transferred to help with implantation, if the test is positive then I have to take progesterone pessaries for 12 weeks as this helps support growth and prevents misscarige. If I were you, I would enquire about progesterone, especially as you mention you have a short luteal phase. You can get progesterone injections buy think pessaries are more popular, usually 3 a day up until 12 weeks pregnant. Good luck x

@PurpleUnicorn01 ah so pleased yesterday went well! Do you have time off work? Or are you just getting on with stuff as normal? Did you have any embryos left to freeze?

@Kay00 yeah, I had to have a lesser procedure (endoscopy) and I needed GA. it’s because I panic, they won’t be able to do the procedure on me. My feet start like...running on the bed to try to get away.

I’m going to find out what they do because I can’t be aware of what’s happening. Especially after I watched the consent videos 😩

@Jazz234 the speed of it all is so stressful. That’s been the hardest part for me. Well, that and the cock ups. It’s not been smooth. Fingers crossed you can start in October. We’re likely to start private ICSI in September/October.

@Sandiesands sorry to hear about your MMCs. I don’t know much about them because I’ve never got to the bfp stage, but I do know a few ladies on other threads who have seen recurrent miscarriage specialists privately so there must be some experts about if you do want to see one. That’s the extent of my knowledge, unfortunately.

And yes, just like what @dogmam said you may need progesterone support.

@Sandiesands I'm so sorry to hear about your losses. It's not easy to go through it or even speak about it, so thank you for sharing.

I personally have gone down the route of private, as NHS takes much more longer in getting answers and fertility treatment is not a priority for them.

With private, they would straight away do your blood test to see if your folicles are healthy and for your partner they would do an semen analysis. With NHS, they don't do blood test for folicles, which is rather annoying. Right now, I'm getting answers each week and much better care, which has made me feel less stressed, anxious and able to now feel in control of things.

Your luteal phase is 10 days, so it could be one of the reasons but can be extended by taking medication prescribed by consultant and/or vitamin tablets.

Take care of yourself x

@dogmam yes the other 4 were frozen. Im just getting on with normal stuff but taking it easy. Im on annual leave.

@dogmam Good luck- I hope you are finding it all manageable so far. Fingers crossed for you and your partner. I would love ICSI but our clinic does not do that for NHS patients so we are only eligible for the standard IVF. I think if the NHS rounds are unsuccessful, we will privately fund ICSI.

@thislittlebird yeah the time it all takes is the worst part. It's also just such a minefield of information and I can get so confused with it all! Fingers crossed that you are ready to start sept/Oct...exciting! Not long now hopefully

Omg I got a letter saying we’ve been funded and I’m too scared to get excited because everything has gone to shit so far on this journey

@thislittlebird that's amazing! Congratulations!! I am sure it will bring mixed emotions but it is one step further along the path which can only be good news x best of luck x

@thislittlebird yay all systems go go go!

Hi all, can I hop in on this thread? I had a baseline/afc count and AMH test yesterday to see what our options are (husband has sperm issues and I had a high FSH level hence the additional checks). I had 4 folicles yesterday (better than none, am trying to be positive!) And am just a bit emotionally exhausted, so its lovely to find a thread with some positivity and people sharing experiences 😊 x

@thislittlebird yay! I know what you mean though. But things have to improve at some point!
@Sandiesands I'm not sure I can really help but I'm really sorry to read what you've been through so far.
@Jazz234 similar here. Only my nhs make you have 3 iui rounds before going to ivf. We've got to that point almost. Nothing really wrong (that they've found).

@beckyCarlos welcome! It can be super hard to stay positive because it’s potentially a long old drag but it’s definitely the right plan of action.

@paintfairy I got really excited and relieved it then remembered it might not be that straightforward 🤨

How long did it take you guys here from funding approval to start of treatment?

Hi ladies,
I'm also new and would love to join the conversation.
My situation is actually very similar to @Sandiesands and I thought I can give some input.
I have also had three miscarriages over the past 1.5 years.
After the first one we have been trying for almost a year so my GP referred me to Infertility.
I just had my first appointment with them last week and they will now do a few tests (AMH, AFC, ultrasound, semen analysis, check for blocked tubes etc).
But I also got referred to a recurrent miscarriage clinic now.
@Sandiesands Once you are ready, I would definitely try to get the referral as waiting times for RMC clinics can be quite long. It might take 4 weeks for the referral to be processed and then you might have to wait another 6-8 weeks for an appointment, depending on where you live.
I would also recommend to review your own medical history, plus your family's. Think about autoimmunity (Diabetis, MS, RA, Lupus, Hashimotos, Graves), whether anyone had a stroke or thrombosis etc.
In the meantime, I would also ask your GP to run the following tests for you, if not already done:
LH/FSH ratio (to rule out PCOS), Diabetes, Thyroid function test incl. antibodies (TG & TPO), ANA, STDs, Full Blood Count, Iron, Ferritin, Vitamin D, Folate, B12, Liver function test, etc.
At the RMC clinic they will then also test:
Antiphospholipid syndrome, Thrombophilia, hormone panel, potentially karyotyping, ultrasound etc.
If you have any concerns in regards to autoimmunity (or you have positive level 1 immunes), then I would consider level 2 immune testing. There are plenty of other great threads on mumsnet.
I know this is an extremely difficult journey, but try to keep your head up and stay positive. Try to take a break now and get all the tests done before trying again.
At least then we would hopefully know what to do different next time!

I'm crossing my fingers for all of you ladies.

@Sandisands: One more note in regards to your luteal phase.
Toni Weschler mentions in her book "Taking charge of your fertility" that a luteal phase of 10 or 11 days is still considered within the normal range. But less than 10 days would be problematic especially when ttc. But this is not where your problem lies.
Nevertheless, I would still check with your consultant to see if progesterone would be beneficial.

@Sandiesands I agree with PP to get your referral to the recurrent miscarriage clinic ASAP.

@thislittlebird I think @becarefuloutthere started hers the following cycle at kings after funding approval? Either way it was very quick!

@PurpleUnicorn01 erm you had no attritition between fertilisation and transfer?? All five getting to a day 5 blast is incredible, I hope you know that!

I got pretty annoyed yesterday. I got a letter through the post that was written by my fertility doc to my gp. Saying there's nothing wrong with me other than mild endometriosis on my left ovary so she's discharging me and I'll be applying for ivf. Then she says she's finally got hold of my Feb US (I KNEW she had no clue about any of my results!) and that my right ovary is much smaller than my left (like half the size). I'm just pissed about the poor comms. I just hope I won't have to deal with this doc again. Once I'm through to an ivf clinic I might complain about her tbh - she never knew any of our details, had any of our results, was rude and dismissive and got me mixed up with another patient when post op!

@Juno231 she was at Guys like I am so it’s really encouraging that it was fast for her. I’m scared to get excited but really hoping after Aug 31 we’re free to start. Honestly didn’t expect them to suddenly approve my funding.

Who is this fertility doc, is she your nearby hospital one? You’ll be applying for ivf, as in she won’t be doing it for you?

Honestly sounds a bit like that terrible gynaecologist I encountered who just told us there was nothing wrong and not enough to warrant help. Like oh ok I’ll just wait for my ovulation to work one day and my husband’s sperm to pull themselves together 🥴

@PurpleUnicorn01 omg. Yes all 5 making it is pretty much unheard of! Fantastic result.
@Juno231 I think it's all the same. I've heard drs at fertility clinics not being much better on occasion and I'm dreading me being that person it happens to. But it's like they are doing so much they just have no idea what's going on (certainly nhs). Evidenced by my constant failings with other stuff. Its just not good at all?