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?

Hi girls so sorry for disappearing, had a crazy weekend for sure. Good to see things are moving forward now!
Just to give you a little update this is our story so far:

They collected 10eggs on Wendesday and 9were mature. Giot the call on Thursday morning to find out 4fertilised. Then on day 3 (Saturday) they called us with an update and said actually 5fertilised so we were pleased with the over 50% fertilisation rate after all.

On day 3all 5of them were developing, 4of them nicely dividing, and the little extra one that was the +1 that fertilised late was way behind with only 3cells so we knew that wasn't gonna make it, but it was comforting to have and extra plus we were relieved we didn't have to do a day3 transfer as they looked good. :)

Yesterday was day 5 and that's when we wanted to have the transfer. When we got to the clinic the embryologist said we have 2 top embryos grade 5BA and he is very happy with them so let's put one back in and one can go to the freezer.
We had the transfer straight after that and came home feeling so relieved and happy. It is a strange feeling as this huge weight lifts off and you know you are not there yet, but it still feels like such a high point of the entire period.

I know it is a hard and difficult process, and I also know it might fail, but at this point I am very happy for being able to say we got thrgouh it and created 2 embryos :)

Now all we have to do is wait for 2 weeks then test. (easy, right?)

If you hae any questions at all just ask please, would be more than happy to help! I was so eager to find people getting treatment at Ninewells and it wasn't easy so would like to offer myself in case someone else out there is struggling.

@Lily999 Congrats on the transfer! Hope it will work for you, fingers crossed 🤞😊
Thank you for updating us! As I am with Ninewells as well I will ask you if I have any questions 🙂

Thanks @Pinecone88, no problem, I will be here :) Where are you in the process now? Sorry I am trying to keep up.

@Lily999 I am on day 2 of my down reg 😬 so far so good.

Oh, ok, so you have started, it will all speed up from here! Once you get to the injections it'll be crazy :)

@Lily999 Haha thanks 😆

Hi all!
@Mrsmch123 that's so disappointing that they didn't have space for you, I didn't even cross my mind that could happen! Hopefully it'll all go to plan for you on your next cycle.
@Lily999 that's fantastic, hopefully you'll have some good news in a couple of weeks!
@scotgirl1 I've not been to any meet ups yet, but I believe there is some sort of support group via our clinic that I might check out once we've started the process
@Pinecone88 glad it's going ok for you so far, hopefully it continues that way!

@Lily999 that's fantastic! It'll be nerve wracking two weeks for sure but I've got everything crossed for you. Are you put under general anaesthetic when the eggs are collected then implanted back in?

@Mrsmch123 I must admit it was one of my biggest fears before we started that I would call them and they would say sorry call us back next month as on the information pack the first page actually stated that it can happen. Also this is what happened to me 3 times when I was sent for HSG and they told me to call on the first day of my period. I did that in March, April and May and they kept telling me to call next month. In June I called again and they said the same thing then I told them I hae been waiting for this for 5months now and we can't move forward with the IVF referral and they squeezed me in. Will never know if it was due to me being somewhat upset by then or they actually had a cancellation, but they did make it happen.
So if thy tell you the same next month then maybe try and tell them how difficult it is on you it might not work, but sometimes it does.

@justbeingelle the egg collection happened under sedataion, I don't remember anything at all, during the transfer you are awake, it is like a smear testcombined with an ultrasound, not painful at all and is very exciting as you basically become pregnant :)

This is maybe a silly question but do you still have to take alot of medication/have injections after the egg transfer? I've seen loads about all the medications for down reg, pre egg collection etc but no so much info about afterwards?

@Lily999 i have been provisionally booked in more next month. Just need to phone again at next period so they can tweak the dates.I think they have a back log due to the Christmas shut down.I've also just got a new job at managerial level🥳. Timing is terrible but it may take my mind of this whole process. Just hoping it's not too stressful🙈

@Mrsmch123 that sounds good, and congrats for the new job! Actually it might be fore the best as I think if you get pregnant within 1month of starting a new job you get less pay on maternity, but not sure..

@nextweek once EC is done you only have to take progesterone that is either a gel or pessaries, not the most pleasant as it pretty mcuh puts you into PMS for 2 weeks, but at least you don't have to stab yourself anymore :)

It's with the same company just 2 steps up from were i am at the minute. So think the mat leave thing should be ok. And thinking forward if the hours would be more suited with a family. 🤞🏻🤞🏻

@Mrsmch123 Congrats on the new job! That is great! I hope it's not too stressful and you enjoy it 🙂

Hi ladies just wondering how everyone is doing? AF came today 6 days early. Even though I know it's really unlikely that we'll fall pregnant naturally it really fucking sucks every time AF arrives.

Hi @justbeingelle I know, it's still rubbish when AF arrives isn't it. I honestly wonder if there's any point in continuing to try naturally when I know it's so unlikely to happen!

Hey girls! Are any of you currently going through things in Aberdeen?

Hi all! I am doing well, on my second week of down reg and have only very minor side effects which is nice. I am thirsty and have a dry throat all the time, a bit dizzy and find it hard to concentrate.
@justbeingelle oh the mind plays tricks on us every month doesn't it.

Hi @willithappen, I've just discovered this thread and very much the start of the journey but me and my partner will be undergoing investigations in Aberdeen

Hi all, little welcome post from me! We've not yet accessed treatment but hope you don't mind me joining on this thread already. My partner has previously diagnosed MFF issues. We're going to make an appointment with the GP and go from there, in the meantime start with TTC. Based in Scotland of course. Hopefully will chat to you all in the future!

@tillopeas how far along have you got?

I'm heading for a Hycosy there on the 25th of this month. Being put on IVF list after that

@willithappen we're yet to start things properly but we know my partner has fertility issues. I've had a recent ovarian scan which came back fine so looks like I'm OK but don't know for sure yet. How long have you been investigating things?

@tillopeas a few months. Had to have tests with GP first, had first appointment in Aberdeen 20th Jan where they then referred me for Hycosy 25th Feb and noted I will be put on the list after that appointment regardless of the outcome as we have been TTC for so long (4/5 years)
They were friendly enough when I went. Was hoping for some experience from people there for what to expect

@pinecone88 glad to hear it's going ok so far and only minor side effects, hopefully it'll stay that way.
Hi @tillopeas and @willithappen I'm Aberdeen to. We're on the waiting list now for IVF with ICSI

@nextweek did you have to go to an open evening with Aberdeen?