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?

I know what you mean, I keep reminding myself that it might not work. I spoke to my mum today though and she very nicely cut me off when I started to say that and said I'm allowed to be excited now no matter what comes later.
Sorry for affecting how you've been thinking to get through this, I'm just feeling pretty positive right now.

@pixelflower don't worry lovely, I didn't mean directly you did. Just the first time I imagined myself and BFP in the same sentence let alone save scenario lol

That's also true. I watched a YouTube going through it and she was starting to be worried during the tww and beyond but basically talked herself round into thinking that she deserves to be positive and happy and enjoy that moments. We go through so much already that it's easy to set ourselves up for failure and not actually enjoy those little moments that others usually would.

I haven't really thought any further past actually getting pregnant in the fear it makes it hurt that much more if it doesn't happen.

@willithappen Phew! It's hard enough when people who don't know say the wrong thing, wouldn't want to be the one saying it.
I try hard not to think too far ahead too but not very good at it 🤦 😂

@pixelflower aw god I know. I get a lot of people asking when me and my partner are going to have a baby and it's like a gut punch.

I wonder if we'll see each other at the clinic! Been so so long since I was last there! February I think it was

People I know have stopped asking but it's when I meet new people. They always ask if I have kids and it's fine if they move on when I say no but have had people ask if I don't want and stuff. I'd have been February too .

Seems like a possibility our paths may cross at some point. If things were normal I'd be looking at everyone and wondering 😂

Hi ladies, hope you don’t mind me jumping in on this thread. I am also AFC have an appointment on Wednesday to sign forms etc. No idea where that then leads, had all the tests last year and were told July for waiting time, same as everyone then COVID struck.

Just reading your comments not sure what happens after this appointment on Wednesday so nervous think I have read every IVF thread going 🤦🏼‍♀️

Hi @LabradorMum as sad as it is why we're here it's lovely to chat to someone else local.
I have my appointment with the nurse tomorrow and probably be straight on here after 😂
For us the consent forms appointment was straight forward, there was a little bit of chat at the start confirming a few things then just signed all the documents showing them to the camera after each one. I got a number to phone to book blood tests, although think @willithappen had to book through the surgery. Also got told would get an appointment with the nurse which I thought would be in January but came through two days later. Not actually sure what's happening at that and not been able to find out through searching so a bit nervous for tomorrow.

Hi @pixelflower totally agree it’s all so confusing and speaking to others going through the same is such a relief.

🤣 well you are only keeping others informed which is greatly appreciated 😃

Can I ask what bloods you are getting if you don’t mind, I had my thyroid taken again last month but all other bloods are up to date so just wondered if this was more bloods to get taken 🤷🏼‍♀️

I doubt I will get anything this year, I am due AF on Friday and appointment is Wednesday for consent forms so doubt it will happen that quick I think it will be January.

What confuses me most is do I have to have a natural AF and have a scan then or do you start your meds then have the scan I have googled loads on it but can’t find a simple answer.

@LabradorMum lovely to have another AFC member here to chat to!

My consent appointment was literally just signing the forms over video and showing them. Was told would then get nurse appointment and was also told January but I had a letter in the door by the Monday (had my consent signing on the Thursday for an appointment this Tuesday at 9am. I didn't get told anything else about it during this appointment. I asked which protocol I would be on and was told short.

Things seem to be moving pretty fast at AFC though so it's likely you'll get your nurses appointment through quickly and I'm sure both @pixelflower and myself will update this thread with how ours go tomorrow and Tuesday.

Sorry meant to say your appointment tomorrow is that video or at the clinic, I think that’s the appointment to show you how to inject yourself etc but I’m probably wrong 🤣

Hi @willithappen, it really is makes things a little easier to understand what is going on too, if that’s possible 🤣

Wow your appointment was super quick! I really thought they would be winding down at this time of year but obviously not!

Seems the consent appointment is really quick although it’s says up to 90 minutes but obviously not.

@LabradorMum we had a leaflet in with our forms, Routine blood test required before storage of sperm, eggs and embryos, and I those are the ones we've to get. If so it's testing for blood borne viruses.
Not actually got a clue what the appointment is for tomorrow, but it's a video one again.
Like @willithappen said, things seem to be moving quickly right now.
Our consent appointment was maybe 15 minutes, but started 20 minutes late. I didn't even think to ask about protocol or anything during it. That was on Thursday so my nurse appointment came in REALLY quick.
I think I'd burst if I wasn't coming on here, lot easier to manage my emotions when can speak to others in the same situation.

Mine also lasted around 15 minutes and was pretty quick

I have a fiasco getting my bloods arranged because I'm not near where the hubs are so had to get them through my own GP but turned out quicker that way. Through the hub they didn't have an appointment for me until 14th Dec and I was super eager and just wanted everything done as quick as possible so I wasn't delayed longer.

I'm kinda nervous for your appointment tomorrow @pixelflower but like an excited nervous? Looking forward to hearing how you get on!

Another member on another thread told me it was to go over all the drugs. She had already been given her prescription for one of them. Gonna go find her actually so I can try tag her in here to join us.

So funny I hadn't seen barely anyone say they were at AFC and all of a sudden I meet three of you right at the same spot!

@Nlm77
Hey lovely!
There are a couple of other ladies here also at AFC and around the same time frame as us so thought I'd tag you in here so you can join.

@pixelflower ah ok I thought the appointment was a bit more than just signing the forms but makes sense. For sure I haven’t told anyone and this is the first forum I have joined so totally agree makes it easier to get things out with those that are going through it and so close together too!

@willithappen ah I did wonder if the bloods were at AFC or your own doctor I am only 10 minutes away but would probably be quicker at my own doctor too.

Really interested to see how you both get on this week my appointment will be an anticlimax in comparison 🤣

I have been trying to find others for ages on forums but they are really old so obviously not relevant to what’s going on just now 😀

@LabradorMum
I will tag you to a thread I just tagged @pixelflower too also as another member is just ahead of us and has a bit more detail about the next steps

It's a bit of a jaunt for the bloods for me , but my surgery is a bit rubbish for appointments so thought would be as well getting it at the hub. Funnily enough I wanted the 14th as it was the only day DH could definitely go and there were no appointments.
Oh! That's made me really anxious and excited 😂 I keep telling myself it's probably a bit of an admin one and won't know anymore by the end of it. Appointment isn't till 1:30 so my house will probably be sparkling by then 🤣
It's so random but great! Everyone seemed to be mostly in England and everywhere seems to be so different.

@willithappen thank you for the other post 😁

@pixelflower I will have to see what they will say hope I can get at my own surgery too it’s easier, my other half and bloods again lol he will be happy!!

Lol well at least it will take your mind off it, just don’t scrub a hole through the table or such like! I will be working and my appointment is at 1030 just have to say I have a meeting good thing about working from home 😂

Yeah I know what you mean things are so different so good to know that you guys are at the same point or there about so we can all chat about what’s going on!

Least you'll have a nice tidy house for afterward! I tend to try sleep when im anxious for things. It's like a time machine and portals you into the future haha

Mines at 9am so a bit earlier

@willithappen I wish I could sleep when I’m anxious I would just dream about it all 🤣

Haha, that's the one time I can't sleep! Even though it's the afternoon I'll probably wake up lists worrying I'll sleep in 🤣

Good luck today @pixelflower

@willithappen great minds was just typing the same thing 😁

Thanks. Will let you know how it goes....eeek

So this is on the AFC website:

Should you wish to have the vaccine and are on the waiting list for treatment you will not be penalised in any way. After the 3 month period you can contact us and we will advise when you will receive an appointment to start treatment. At this time we are delighted to announce that the waiting time for NHS funded IVF has been reduced to 3-4 months. Therefore if you are referred this month December 2020, you will receive an appointment for March/April and be able to undertake treatment as soon as you wish.

Makes confusing reading so new referrals in Dec are starting March/April does that mean we will start in January?

Do you think people are not having treatment because of COVID so their waiting list is right down?