which Glasgow private clinic??

[DeannaC]

I'm looking for advice on which private clinic to choose in Glasgow for IVF treatment. I'm 41 years old and this will be my first attempt at fertility treatment. Has anyone been to the Nuffield, the GCRM (Glasgow Centre for Reproductive Medicine) or the GRMU (Glasgow Reproductive Medicine Unit at the Royal)? I've got all the literature, visited the websites and visited them in person and still can't decide! Perhaps hearing personal experiences might help. I'd appreciate any info, advice :-)

Thanks,
Dee

Hmmm, decisions decisions. Dp isn't sold on private yet. Need to work on him. Had fc apt (not at gri, that's 22nd) apparently the wait in glasgow is 22months!

I have been to GCRM for initial tests and consultation. They have been excellent so far, and we are now having a think about how to proceed.
Firstly, the £350 for compulsory bloods is £175 each for hep b, hep c and HIV test. This is an hfea requirement. I think that is a ridiculous amount to pay for blood tests but my amazing practice nurse at my gp has offered to do them for us on nhs (I did not even have to ask).
Also, I picked GCRM primarily due to convenience. A close friend who had ivf said that the regular trips/ injections/ scans/egg collection/egg transfer means that ease of access is important, particularly if you are planning to work during IVF. It does seem expensive though.

Hi all :)

AF arrived bang on time so it's off to the clinic I go!

Ginger, I think it depends where you live, I'm in Ayrshire and when I called last week I was told the NHS waiting list at GRI for me was 12 months. That's a huge reduction, last year when my investigations were just starting the wait was 20 months!

Hi all :)

AF arrived bang on time so it's off to the clinic I go!

Ginger, I think it depends where you live, I'm in Ayrshire and when I called last week I was told the NHS waiting list at GRI for me was 12 months. That's a huge reduction, last year when my investigations were just starting the wait was 20 months!

Sorry AF came deana, have you decided on the royal? Do you have an apt? Do they do open days? Think we might do the royal too.

Have my nhs royal apt on 22nd, will find out about waits etc then make a decision.

I am awaiting all you opinions, eagerly.

Hi everyone! Anyone got any news?

Hi Ginger,

We're going with the Royal ?? we finally made the decision but can't actually get started with our initial appointment until the 10th of September because of holidays! (Their's, not mine!). Grrr! Oh well, more time to try for a natural BFP. I started acupuncture as well and my lady had said that she wished she had more time with me prior to starting treatment so she'll be happy!

How are you doing? Have you decided where to go for your treatment? If I wait for my NHS go I wouldn't be starting until December 2015!!

Dx

DeannaC what made you choose the Royal? I phoned them and was offered the 10th September too. I cannot decide whether GCRM or Royal but still doing IUI on NHS so will wait it out first.

Hi Sharon,

Price was a big factor. I've read many times that your first go is like a practice session and we can afford two rounds at the Royal but only one elsewhere. I also think they have far more experience. Hopefully your IUI will be successful and you won't need to choose!
Dx

Thanks DeannaC we had thought the price factor at the Royal made it more appealing but GCRM seems much more efficient. Where does your view on the experience come from?

My chances of a successful iui are around 1.5% so not holding out any hope.

Hi Sharon,

You still have a chance, it has to happen for someone, eh?!

The Royal treats more people and I believe they've been doing it longer (I could be wrong though!). With them being connected to Glasgow University I'd like to think they have the latest knowledge and research info as well. I guess I've also got the mindset that if it's meant to be it will be and it doesn't really matter where I choose to be treated.

Dx

Hi Sharon,

You still have a chance, it has to happen for someone, eh?!

The Royal treats more people and I believe they've been doing it longer (I could be wrong though!). With them being connected to Glasgow University I'd like to think they have the latest knowledge and research info as well. I guess I've also got the mindset that if it's meant to be it will be and it doesn't really matter where I choose to be treated.

Dx

Those are good points deannac. Do you think the royal treating more people accounts for the lower success rates? I would prefer the royal for cost and location they have how eared failed to impress me with not returning my call or email and when I eventually got to speak with them there being such a wait for an appointment.

It's great to get a non biased opinion so thanks for sharing.

Sharonx

I know what you mean, not the speediest of responses but when I did get to speak to someone she was lovely, knowledgeable and reassuring. I emailed them Wednesday about an appointment and I received my letter and info pack today so not too bad from that point of view.

Would be lovely if neither of us needed it,eh?!

Take care,
Dx

deanna that's very exciting you've made a decision. September will come around very quickly indeed. I had my initial consultation for gri nhs. Can start iui with them in next few months. I get to decide if I want to go to Dundee, treatment before Xmas, Edinburgh likely jan or gri for May next year. No idea what to do!

I'm getting amh results on 12th so that may help me decide.

sharon it is so difficult to decide, especially as it's sooo expensive!

Gingerbreadlady1 why are you to choose a clinic for NHS treatment?

Hi sharon, government have set waiting lists targets. To help busier hospitals get their waiting lists down you can get treatment in quieter areas.

Morning Ginger! Just saw your post on the old birds thread, amazing news! Cautiously excited for you x we're off to the Royal this afternoon. Here's hoping I eventually get a BFP and can join you! Best of luck xx

Hi Sharon (if you still check this thread!). I had my second appointment at the Royal last night and just wanted to give you some feedback in case you still haven't made up your mind. The new facility is now fully operational (it's lovely!), the staff have been fantastic, I never feel rushed, they've been able to answer all my questions and they seem very thorough. So far I'm very happy we've chosen to go ahead with them. They also provide a seven day service now so if you need ET on a Sunday that's when you get it! I hope things are going well with you.
Dx

Deanna thank you for posting me an update. I went for a Consultation at GCRM four weeks ago and was similarly impressed. The Consultant was very thorough, honest and informative. He was really optimistic of my chances of succeeding to fall pregnant giving me a 41% success rate at their clinic. He did advise me to continue with my NHS treatment and start taking dhea (which I dutifully ordered). However the Friday afterwards I got my bfp (OMG!!!!) and had an early scan yesterday which went well and am now 7 weeks. It doesn't seem real apart from the terrible all day nausea and sickness. I haven't posted my news on the board until now as been so fearful something would be wrong but yesterday proved otherwise, not that I am no longer worried, just know it's not a blighted ovum again. I wish you well in your journey. I am a classic example of when you are least expecting it, boom it happens and also my medical history and blood results with estimate success rate in iui (which they didn't even carry out as I ovulated over a weekend!) show that, as you said, it has to happen to someone. Good luck.

Wow Sharon! Fabulous news! I'll keep everything crossed for you. I hope the rest of your journey is a smooth ride. Take care of yourself and your growing bean xx