What happens next...?

[Elektra83]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if you could give me some advice. We have our first appt with the fertility clinic nurse next month and I was wondering what happens after that (I know, how long is a piece of string!).
I think the waiting is driving me a little mad, I keep wondering what happens after that appointment, if we are put on a waiting list (it's our one and only shot on the nhs) or if treatment happens as soon as my next period arrives?!

Ugh, I do not like limbo!

[BadgerFace]

It will depend on your clinic which I know isn't a very helpful answer! With ours we had first appointment with the test results from sperm analysis and were able to go straight into treatment after that appointment.

I would think with most clinics the waiting list is to get to the first appointment and then things can move fairly quickly from there but I could easily be wrong!

[Elektra83]

Thank you BadgerFace! We're going with the Oxford Fertility Unit. I'm back to being stressed about the whole weight/bmi thing too. Gah!

[BadgerFace]

The whole thing is stressful, and I think it's healthy to acknowledge that. Are you far over the BMI for your NHS Trust? I am sure I was only a bit under our the top limit for mine when we did our fresh cycle.

We were very lucky and had DD from the fresh cycle with 6 frozen embryos left over. We had a failed frozen cycle in March this year trying for No. 2 and then had a natural miracle in April whilst waiting for the next frozen cycle which my clinic couldn't do until May... I am still a bit gobsmacked by it 4.5 months in!

Hang on in there. Amazing things happen.

I'd also recommend you joining one of the threads for those undergoing treatment if you've not already as they are a great place for support, questions and general venting with people going through the same thing. The thread I was on is still running so feel free to join it - it's called something like "Is anyone starting in the new year".

[Elektra83]

Oh yes I agree with you there, it sucks. It is also frustrating talking to friends who don't get it. Especially when I'm being told to be positive and optimistic! I know the stats, nothing is guaranteed so I think being realistic is definitely better for me!

Last time I weighed myself I was under the limit, I'm just stressed that my weight may have creeped up again :(

That's fantastic news re your DD and your natural miracle, I don't blame you for being gobsmacked, after all that you have been through!

I'm hanging in there, work is keeping me sane. I'll definitely join one of the threads once I know where we are. Thanks again! Can I ask how you felt during the whole IVF process, were you able to exercise or were you tired etc?

Btw I love your username, it's brilliant!

[YouBoggleMyMind]

Hi Elektra83
I am also going to Oxford Fertility Clinic next month for our first appointment. I got a letter through saying that we'd have a 20 minute consultation, more bloods (if needed) and a transvaginal scan. I'm hoping that they'll just prescribe clomid from there as i'm pretty sure that's all I need. I have PCOS and haven't had a period in over a year so very much doubtful that i'm ovulating!
Do you know what treatment you'd be looking for? Xx

[BadgerFace]

I must admit to not exercising much during IVF as I've never been a runner although I did a lot of long walks, 5 miles most days with commuting etc. I think that gentle exercise is fine but I wouldn't do anything too high impact or strenuous personally. Some clinics advise to cut back on running I think.

I found the down regging stage of IVF fine which for me was the first 3 weeks (I was on long protocol). Towards the end when you're nearing egg collection you can end up feeling a bit bloated (which makes sense as your ovaries are bigger than normal size!).

I can't take any credit for my username - for some reason it's a random nickname DH gave me about 5 years ago (at least I think it's random, I am pretty sure I don't look like a Badger...!)

[Elektra83]

Thanks YouBoggleMyMind I will hunt down my letter and see if it gives more information! The doctors at the hospital suggested ICSI is our best option so I think we're going for that. I just hope there's no more waiting...the waiting is driving me mad!

Hi BadgerFace, I wasn't a runner either tbh, I only started to see how it felt and realised I enjoyed it! I had to stop due to an injury but have started again which is nice. I have read that I may need to cut back on running too (I only run twice a week), I do lift weights/do a lot of strength exercises so am a little concerned about stopping (mostly because exercise keeps me sane-ish!). I shall forget about all of this and enjoy my exercising whilst I can :)

Hehe, it's a cool nickname ;-)

[YouBoggleMyMind]

The waiting is hard. Especially when babies seem to come from all directions except your own! I really hope it's a smooth and quick process for you :)