Infertility investigations/IVF in Scotland

[justbeingelle]

Just thought I'd start a thread for those who are undergoing infertility investigations/IVF in Scotland because it seems as though it can vary from the rest of the UK.

DH and I have been TTC since June 2018. Started investigations around July 2019. I have a large ovarian cyst which will be removed, hopefully after Christmas. Getting a laparoscopy and dye to check tubes too. I have very regular periods and I am ovulating. DH has a low sperm count, but the ones he has are good quality. Still awaiting results from ultrasounds, genetic tests etc so still feel like we're at the beginning of our journey. This is our first time TTC and we've not had a hint of a BFP.

Anyone else?

For those of you that are further along, after you have your appointment to discuss starting your treatment what are the next steps/timelines for getting started? I've been trying to read up but getting confused! I know it might vary depending on what the issue is, but we have MFI and so far everything seems ok with me.

@Pinecone88 thanks, spending tonight with some friends and having a wee date night with DH tomorrow night so looking forward to that. That's good you're feeling relaxed about things, I think it'll make a difference. Holidays always help 😁

@nextweek thank you, man this journey is rough.
I'm not too sure about timescales, we have an appointment in a few weeks with the fertility doctor to discuss things further. When we were seen by the last fertility doctor in December she said that as DH has low sperm count we would need ICSI. She said DH would need TESA or PESA to surgically retrieve sperm which would then be used for the ICSI. We had to be referred to a different hospital for ICSI so I'm guessing timescales will be discussed at our next apt. Is your DH needing surgical sperm retrieval?

@justbeingelle thanks, we've been told we'll be getting ICSI but they never mentioned surgical sperm retrieval so not sure about that. All the acronyms are a nightmare to remember lol!

@nextweek Here is my timeline with Ninewells so far, hope it helps:
Side note - we had our first investigations 4 years ago in Aberdeen where I had all the tests, scans - HSG included, they all came back normal. Husband had 2 sperm tests that came back with low count, motility and bad morphology, so we have male factor infertility and will have ICSI.

12/06/19 - GP appointment, referral made to Ninewells ACU.
06/08/19 - First appointment at Ninewells ACU, paperwork to fill out was sent in advance. Talked through criteria, additional tests ordered.
27/09/19 - Received a letter to say we are on top of the IVF waiting list.
28/10/19 - Ninewells appointment, AMH test + screening (including smoke test).
03/01/20 - Received a letter with protocol(standard/long), more paperwork to fill out and Suprecur Nasal Spray.
03/02/20 - Day 21 of cycle, I am do to start down reg.
21/02/20 - Appointment booked for baseline scan where I also will be given injection medication.

This is it for now, will update this once we move forward.

Oh and in the midst of these appointments husband had 3 sperm analysis tests.

@Pinecone88 that was helpful seeing your timeline, thank you. It seems to have happened fairly quickly for you (although I bet it won't have felt that way!) it has taken longer here in Glasgow.

@justbeingelle No it did not seem fast at all 😆 Obviously looking back I can see it's ok and thing were moving along fairly quickly.
I think it was faster for us, because of all the tests they had done on me in Aberdeen.

@Pinecone88 best of luck for the weeks ahead! Keeping everything crossed for you 😁

@pinecone88 thanks so much for that info, that's really helpful. It sounds like we're in similar positions regarding all your tests coming back normal and having MFI, that's the same as us and we'll be getting ICSI. Hope everything is going well for you so far and keeping my fingers crossed for you!

@justbeingelle @nextweek Thank you guys for the support, I will keep you updated 🙂

Hi girls, so period started today called the clinic full of excitement only to be told there is no room for me this cycle😞and to add insult to injury my smear will run out during the treatment so trying to get that booked ASAP!!f**k sake.......

@Mrsmch123 Oh that is such a slap in the face! So sorry this happened to you! Sucks big time!

@Mrsmch123 argh that's so frustrating! So sorry to hear that 😣

@Pinecone88 best of luck! You must be so pleased to be in the process now.

@justbeingelle it’s so rough all this waiting isn’t it. I’m going through periods of anger, upset and then I can be fine for weeks

@Mrsmch123 so sorry 😔 I’ve read about this happening to a few people. Can they guarantee a space next month or is it just a case of phoning and trying again?

Has anyone been to any meet ups or any classes? I’ve seen a fertility yoga class in East Kilbride but it’s a Sunday at 6pm which doesn’t really suit. I think it would be good to go to something and talk with others in the same boat. It’s easier to confide in people who understand.

@Pinecone88 @justbeingelle thanks it's frustrating but I can't change it so trying not to get too hung up on it. @Scotgirl1 I've been provisionally booked in for my next period but need to phone and confirm dates once period actually arrives. I have never been to any the meet ups or anything. Tbh not many people know about our struggles. My boss in work because she is my friend and I needed someone IRL that I could talk to(also will help when it comes to time off) and my sister and law because she has gone through ICSI.

@Scotgirl1 Thank you, yes I am very exited :)
I went to a meet up at Ninewells Hospital once which only had me an 2 organisers :D So it was not too much fun.

@Scotgirl1 I had seen the same fertility yoga advertised on a Facebook page and was considering going. I'm not able to do any exercise until March time but I was definitely considering finding a yoga class then. Just need to be brave enough to take that first step and go!

I've started telling friends about us going for IVF over the last couple of weeks which has really helped. They've been amazing. I've not told my boss yet, she's been a bit of a pain in the arse (loves power) over the last couple of weeks. I think I might just wait until after our appointment in March when we should hopefully know a bit more about treatment starting before telling her. Those who have told work - how have they responded?

@Mrsmch123 fingers crossed for you for next month. It sounds like you are keeping grounded with it all which is great. No one really knows about us either so it’s quite difficult / lonely

@Pinecone88 I can’t believe no one showed up! Maybe not a good idea then 😂

@justbeingelle I told my manager and one of my colleagues. My manager was really nice about it and said that some of her family members have been through it as well. I have a full support, I feel very lucky about it.
I hope your manager takes it well and you feel supported, as added stress at work is really not needed.

@Pinecone88 awk I'm sure she'll be fine if I catch her on a good day 😂 I checked out some HR policies and any time off for treatment should come under special leave.

@justbeingelle it’s just that first step isn’t it. I might look at it again when I’m further down the line. It could be a good way to chill out and relax a bit. I’d probably tell people but hubby doesn’t want to. That’s good your friends have been supportive. It would also stop all the awkward questions / comments! I’d wait to tell your boss as well. I’d hope that work is flexible and allows me to attend the appointments like they would for any other gp / hospital appointment. I would think they would tread carefully rather than the opposite!

@justbeingelle Oh that's great, so you won't have to take any holidays off for it.

I have actually been thinking about organising a meetup group in Dundee. Like an infertility support group. I am also a yoga teacher so thought that would be nice to add, but then again I think if I get pregnant on our first cycle than it would be hard for other people in the group.

@Pinecone88 I think that's a lovely idea 😊

@justbeingelle Thank you. I will definitely teach fertility yoga and support women going through infertility in the future, now I am still thinking if I should do it just now.