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Original poster

What to expect from first appointment when referred to fertility clinic?

12 replies

Pumpkin18 · 08/08/2018 20:04

Hi,
Just that really. We have been referred by doctor due to SA and not sure what they will tell us at first appointment at clinic. I already know we can't have IVF on nhs due to my age. Will they just tell us any tests we can have next (if any more are needed) and advise on any local clinics for private treatment? Will they do more tests on dh to try to find out cause of low count etc?
I am preparing for private ivf anyway by researching clinics and trying to get any tests we need prior to treatment done. Also at what point would they check my fallopian tubes and uterus or do they not do that on nhs if not cleared for nhs treatment? Sorry for so many questions Smile but any advice greatly appreciated

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jemimafuddleduck · 08/08/2018 20:11

Hi @Pumpkin18, I've literally just posted on this board that we have our first appointment coming up soon too so can't offer any insight into what will happen.

But just FYI I had a trans-abdominal and trans-vaginal (pelvic) scan plus lots of blood tests prior to being referred. Good luck with your appointment, when is it?

Original poster
Pumpkin18 · 08/08/2018 20:16

Hi @jemimafuddleduck We haven't got date through for appointment yet, waiting for the letter. I have had all blood tests for hormones and rubella and having chlamydia swab done but the doc hasn't offered me any scans - I will have to ask if they can put me in for them - im assuming yours were organised through your gp?

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Original poster
Pumpkin18 · 08/08/2018 20:20

@jemimafuddleduck just seen your post. It may be that they havent offered me the scans as ours is male factor, all my tests came back normal. Will still check though as want to ensure all done so ready for treatment

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LillyLeaf · 08/08/2018 20:58

My scan was done at my first appointment ( although I had had scans done previously at a private clinic), they checked BMI, they asked some health questions, if we smoke etc. Looked at my blood test results, his SA and said we'll see you in 9 months for IVF.

jemimafuddleduck · 08/08/2018 21:00

@Pumpkin18 yes mine were all through the GP. Possibly due to yours being male factor, although mine were booked in before SA was completed. They did know there was an issue with me because of high FSH though. Or it may just be that's the way your GP surgery works?!

I would ask if they could get you scanned, the clinic will ask for it anyway I expect.

When they said they would refer me to the clinic, they said I'd get a letter within a couple of weeks. I hadn't heard anything after 3 weeks so I chased it up. Turns out the clinic hadn't received it! So they re-sent it and I waited a couple more weeks. Chased again and they still hadn't got it! Turns out there was an issue with their referral service. So after daily phone calls to both the clinic and the medical secretary at the gp surgery eventually it was all sorted yesterday and I got my date, but what should have taken 2-3 weeks will have taken around 10 😡

I get that sometimes mistakes happen but when you feel like your eggs are decreasing with every month that goes by it's pretty frustrating!

jemimafuddleduck · 08/08/2018 21:01

@LillyLeaf do you mind me asking why you were referred and why they made you wait for another 9 months?

LillyLeaf · 08/08/2018 21:05

We were referred because we had been trying for over a year and I'm 35. The 9 months wait is just the NHS IVF waiting list in our area. We're going private as I can't wait that long, I'll go insane.

jemimafuddleduck · 08/08/2018 21:13

@LillyLeaf Ah ok. I wonder if I'm being quite naive about all of this. I was hoping that (if I need IVF) it'll be done pretty quickly once I've had my first appointment - and once any extra tests etc are done. Maybe this won't be the case? Confused This is why I've been so anxious to get the first appointment as at least then I'll know where I stand.

I can totally understand why you're going private, 9 months is a long time. Have they found any issues or is it just unexplained at this point? (Sorry for all the questions- feel free not to answer if it's too personal!)

LillyLeaf · 08/08/2018 21:28

@jemimafuddleduck I think IVF waiting times vary a lot throughout the UK so hopefully you won't have to wait that long. We have unexplained infertility. I have just had a fibroid removed which 'may or may not' have affected fertility and DP SA is just ok. I was expecting more tests to see if anything else is wrong but even the private clinic said IVF is next. I did have the HyCoSy done privately which showed tubes were fine.

jemimafuddleduck · 08/08/2018 21:34

Well I guess it's good that everything has been ok so far and the fibroid has been removed. Hopefully IVF can help you. Are you ttc #1? Are you looking to go private in th UK?

LillyLeaf · 08/08/2018 21:53

Yes ttc #1. We'll go private in the UK, not sure the stress of traveling abroad is worth it but it's not something we've looked into either.

Original poster
Pumpkin18 · 08/08/2018 22:07

We are looking at going to Czech republic at the moment, it is so much cheaper and will give us more chance of having another cycle. Even with flights and accommodation and meds it's cheaper than the uk

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