First NHS IVF consultation this Tuesday!

[Elaydee]

Hi ladies! I have my first consultation this coming Tuesday and I'm nervous! It is NHS funded and I feel like I'm not getting enough information to feel in control. So I've come here :)

My info pack says they will start treatment within 8 weeks after my appointment, but does that depend on my cycle too?

I'm embarrassed to say I have no idea how it works day-by-day. I know the different phases of treatment, but can it start any day of my cycle, does it only start on day 1? Do I need to be available at the drop of a hat? My period is due 5 days after my first appointment so would we most likely start the beginning of my next cycle?

I just feel I need to get organised as I have to travel for work each month so am trying to juggle works expectations with the unknown of NHS IVF timings.

Are there any ladies who can share their experience on anything? Thank you x

Oh, and did any of you tell your work about your IVF?

My work knows I've had MCs and two ectopics so probably not a surprise to them.

Hello, we are NHS funded but haven't really had to wait long for appointments since being referred to a fertility clinic, we waited ages for hospital appointments before this though. Once we were referred and had various tests done we started pretty much straight away a week or two later maybe.
I also had absolutely no idea what to expect, it's not something you can really control (this was hard for me to accept as I need to feel in charge) but basically we just took it day by day. I didn't wait for my cycle because I was given drugs to prepare my body for making more eggs ect. I now have to wait for my next cycle before having the embryo transfer because I was to poorly to have it after the egg collection.
You do have to be pretty flexible because once you've started the treatment you go with your bodies timing, I had a scan on the Friday and had to go back in on the Monday because my body was ready for the egg Collection.
It's really hard but all you can do it try and relax and not stress about it (totally easier said than done of course!!)
Hope all goes well for you x

Thank you so much for your reply!!!! I had almost given up on this post for advice :)

Like you, I feel completely in the dark and juggling that with work is a nightmare! Thanks for the advice, i'll just free myself up as much as possible.

Can I ask what protocol you did to start at any stage in your cycle? Also, what are the injections like? Thats what i'm most worries about!

THANK YOU!

Hi!
Do you know if you are doing long protocol? I did and I had to call them on the first day of my cycle.. they ordered the drugs and I started down regging with nasal spray on day 21. (So
You may be able
To start straight away on the cycle after planning appt!)
The injections weren’t too bad.. I got anxious before each one at the beginning but choose a nice padded bit... and hold onto the flesh when you jab and it’s fine!
You need to be flexible when stimming as scans can be changed around depending on how you are doing.

Good luck! X

My first appointment is tomorrow, so I guess i'll find out if i'm long or short then? The fertility specialist told me I have mild PCOS, so don't know if that will affect which protocol? He said i had a high AFC and my bloods showed it.

I'm so excited to think that we could start within weeks... I had prepared myself for two more months! Excited and nervous all at once! All the best for your journey!

Thank you for replying x