IVF at Guy's & St. Thomas' & general process/timeline

[Lill02]

Hi all,

This is my first ever post, but I've been following for a while. :)

After having all the usual tests, including a hycosy and hysteroscopy, we were diagnosed with unexplained infertility a while ago. We have now finally waited long enough to be eligible for IVF on the NHS. We've got an appointment back at Guy's & St. Thomas' tomorrow (we had to see the GP and ask to be referred back as we've now waited the required time frame).
I'm not 100% sure what will happen tomorrow, but I'm basically hoping they will agree we've waited the required time and suggest we get the ball rolling for IVF, i.e. fill in our funding application, etc. I'm really hoping this will happen, I can't face being sent away again after we've waited so long...
What have your experiences been? Does that sound like realistic next steps? Has anyone been at Guy's & St. Thomas' and can share their timeline?

Thank you!

@Etonmess20 aw glad all went well! Was it dr chowdury? Were you told 2-3 months before you could start?

@Vparisi eek, not ideal! Sorry I forgot to get bk to you about the bloods. Glad everything went well though!

@Vparisi I may be guessing wrong but did you have a lovely stripy dress on? I was looking round too trying to see if I could deduce which ones you guys were & that was my guess!
So glad your appointment went well! Do you feel like it's put your mind at rest a bit to speak to them & see what they are planning to do? I felt really reassured that they knew what they were doing & that they were giving us the best chance!
My interpretation of the timelines on short protocol are that we'll get c. 1 month notice as they want to know when CD1 of the preceding cycle is, I feel so much more reassured it's not going to get shoved on us with no notice & I'll get time to mentally prepare! I feel a bit sad about DP only getting to come to today's appointment & the day of egg collection but that's covid for you ☹️

@notyetamumbuttrying If I'm honest I can't remember him telling us his name 😂 but he had a badge on (upside down) that I think said Toran but equally it may well not have said that 😂 I've also just looked at the billions of forms he gave us & typical doctors writing so I can't tell his name from that either 😂
Yeah we were told around 2-3 months but he said waiting list was getting shorter so fingers crossed time flies by & it's not as long as 3 months 🙏🏼

@Etonmess20 yes that was me in the pink dress!! Haha. Probably saw me standing around rolling my eyes because DP was being a baby about getting his bloods taken just like I knew he would!! Haha. Were you right across by any chance?

Yes I felt so reassured and positive coming out, DP had to tell me to cool it a bit because he doesn't want me to have my hopes up too much and then be crushed if it doesn't work. I wonder when we will actually get the call...I feel it will be July to start as it seems from here it is generally quicker than they are saying. Just looking at my period app trying to work out all my dates and everything! It all feels so real now..

@Vparisi ahhhh that's so nice, your dress was lovely btw - all the positive colourful vibes needed on a day like today!
Bless him, I did say to my DP "oh they've had to lay him down" is he ok now? I personally thought the man who took my blood was very efficient, hardly felt a thing 😂
We were sat right across from you, I had a grey jumper on & DP had a pink jumper on. I thought it must be you as everyone else was either on their own/older than us!
I feel the same, the stats he gave us were really promising & better than the more generalised ones we'd seen before & I don't think trying to view it positively hurts at all (although I am also trying not to get my hopes up as it may take more than one go). I am just ready for it all to start now, the waiting is the hardest part of it all!
Yeah I was thinking July too, I'm due CD1 on 6th July so god knows whether I'll end up having to be the month after if that's too early 🤷🏼‍♀️

@Vparisi @Etonmess20 So glad your appointments went well and you got to ‘meet’ each other!

@notyetamumbuttrying Yep just waiting. It’s only been three weeks but already feels much longer. Every time my phone rings in another room I’m already dashing to answer it then I remember it’s not even been a month yet. Not sure my nerves can take another two! 🤣 Good luck with your first injections, hope all goes well for you.

@Etonmess20 haha very typical! 😂 It defo is as I was told that early April and I'm starting this month...
The blood man is great isn't he! Black guy right? He's done my twice now and didn't feel a thing either!
@RiverRiot omg that was me too 😆 so bloody nerve racking isn't it. Aw thank you 😊
@Vparisi glad it went well for you as well! 👍🏾

@notyetamumbuttrying I'm hoping time goes quickly now, I'm sure it will but everytime the phone rings I will go crazy...until it's just another spam call 😂
Yeah that sounds like the man, he was like some needle ninja, barely a scratch & he'd done it! My DP said the same so he clearly has the skills! Every single staff member we dealt with was lovely too which was so nice, all massively friendly & seemed to have plenty of time for you (despite obviously being busy)

Best of luck in the morning.....you've got this!!!! 💪🏼

@Etonmess20 I know, I was answering the phone all politely hoping it was them and it was just stupid sales calls!! 🤪
Haha yes defo him then! Ppl usually struggle getting blood from me, but not him! Straight in and out, job done ✔️
Yeah they're all nice aren't they.
Thank you!! 😊 will be reporting in to say it was all good, hopefully 🙏🏾

Ladies this is so exciting about all of your appointments! I think they say 2-3 months between initial appointment and getting started but it’s usually quicker. Ours was 6 weeks but then I did kick up a stink. We had all of our meds delivered Friday (which was slightly overwhelming) and have our first scan today. Sliiiightly shitting myself to start injections as the medication looks like a lot but also excited to get going! Also gross that they’re going to scan while I’m on my period but they said it’s fine they do it all the time 🤢 will keep you all in the loop! Xx

@GJW2018 I'm glad you're saying you got in quicker than the timeframe they suggested. The doctor said yesterday the list is going down so fingers crossed
Are you doing the short protocol? Bet it was a lot of meds wasn't it?
Is today an appointment for a scan & for them to teach you the injections? Hope it all goes well!
Ohhhh I didn't think about that 😬 ew that's not nice, obviously they've seen it all before but even so!

@Etonmess20 yes I’m on day 2 of my cycle so just scan to check that my linings thinning out and get going with the needles! Yes doing a short protocol with menopur then they’ve given me fyremadel to stop me from ovulating on my own and then a trigger I think although there were some other bits in there which I’m going to ask about today. I’m still freaking out about the shielding thing as I work in a school with hundreds of adults and kids and Sod’s law they’re all so ill at the minute with colds, chest infections etc. all very coughy, not Covid as they’re all testing but terrified if I catch a cold and turn up with a cough they’ll cancel our treatment. Why does my mind always go the worst case scenario! That’s this weeks anxiety anyway! 😂

@GJW2018 oh that's exciting but also petrifying, do they teach DP how to do the needles too or do you have to go alone to this appointment?
Oh that's such a worry, we asked yesterday about whether we needed to self isolate before treatment but he basically said as much as you can is good but they know not everyone can etc. Suppose you just need to keep as safe as you can & hope for the best, just another thing you don't need to be worrying about though isn't it?
We were also a bit unsure about how best to go about "shielding" as much as possible when friends & family don't actually know we're having treatment 🤦🏼‍♀️ think we're just going to have to play it by ear when we know when it's happening

Today is the day I tell my boss about IVF too so hopefully that goes ok 😬 dreading it really, I know there won't be any issues with time off etc but who tells their boss "we're thinking about getting pregnant" if they're TTC naturally?! The added complication is myself & DP work for the same company so he is also telling his boss today too. Just such a private thing when our own friends & family don't even know what we're going through.

Good luck today @GJW2018! I’m sure the Drs are totally used to it so try not to worry. Easier said than done though, I know.

I’m sure the work situation is stressful too but at least everyone’s getting tested frequently and I guess all you can do is keep your distance as much as you can. Perhaps ask the Drs today what their stance is if it’s playing on your mind? And hopefully the treatment will be over before you know it. It’s around three weeks to transfer on short protocol, right? Hoping it all goes smoothly for you!

@Etonmess20 thanks so much! I was trying to dress brightly with positive vibes haha. Yes I did think that was you! How nice we were sat right across. Haha yes he is ok now, he is just very precious about those things...I told the nurse sorry they probably aren't used to seeing babies in the infertility ward and she loved it haha. Yeah I am 13 July then 10 August so we will see when. I really loved the Excel he had with exact stats for success rates based on how many eggs and age specifically so made me feel pretty positive. Good luck with work....I am not telling mine as I don't don't in a female or baby friendly environment (investment banking) so the plan is to say as little as possible. My boss is nice but it is just very private. You're so right - any normal person TTC wouldn't have to say oh fyi we are having unprotected sex to their boss would they!

@GJW2018 good luck today!! Very exciting. Keep us updated xx

@Vparisi it's nice isn't it because it gives the people in the waiting room a face & felt like it made it much more friendly for me to know there was someone else in there I "know"
Hahahaha oh gosh how embarrassing for him 😂 hopefully that's all his needles over & done with! I think you're going to be doing your injections yourself somehow 😉
I loved that as well actually, I feel like odds of c50% are definitely better than I was expecting (have seen odds of around 1 in 3 previously) so just trying to stay positive but realistic - hard balance but dreaming that it will work will help pass the time waiting for "the call"
If your workplace is like that you're definitely doing the right thing - mine is a lot more family friendly & as they offer the fertility treatment leave I need to tell them really in order to be able to have that authorised. I work in finance as well so there's certain times of the month that are extra busy so wanted to make them aware in case it falls during one of those times so we have a back up plan!
After yesterday I actually feel really motivated to lose more weight (the Dr was very generous & said I was slim but that's not entirely true 😂) & stay healthy & positive to give us the best chance 🙏🏼

@Etonmess20 I think they’re going to show me how to inject today but I’m on my own DH is only allowed to come egg collection day. To be honest he’s so clumsy I don’t know if I’d trust him doing my injections he’d probably put it in my eye or something!
The shielding is stressing me out especially as like you @Vparisi we’re not telling friends and family and they’re making plans every week! Added stress!
Just waiting for the train now eeeek will let you all know what went down when I come out xx

@GJW2018 good luck!!! 🙏🏼

@GJW2018 yay for getting started too! My drugs also came on Friday. First injection done today but I'm on a long protocol so it's to down regulate my ovaries. Good luck today!!
I'm sure they wouldn't cancel if you had a negative Covid test so try not to worry too much. Easier said than done I know!
@Etonmess20 good luck telling your boss today! Mine was so chill about it, was such a relief but then she is friend as well, albeit not close. I'm sure your boss has had other ppl do the same though so hopefully will be understanding and discreet! Do you think you'll tell family now that's it's all starting?

@notyetamumbuttrying so glad it went well for you. I'm sure she will be perfectly fine about it, it's just probably been built up more in my head tbh. I just hate the thought of being gossip & other people finding out but nothing you can do to stop it is there 🤷🏼‍♀️
No we definitely won't tell family, I asked DP the other day whether we'd say when/if we're successful that it was an IVF baby (obviously to friends/family) & he said he didn't know whether he would want to. No one even really knows we've been TTC to be honest so would be a bit odd to tell them "oh by the way it's been nearly 3 years...." but then if no one talks about it how does the stigma ever get broken down 🤷🏼‍♀️

How did your injection go? Was it alright?

@Etonmess20 I know what you mean, I was so worked up for mine and she just went ooh I wonder what your baby will look like 😂 (dh and I look very different)! And then she said have any time off you need for appointments and HR doesn't need to know. I was thrilled as she's a massive gossip but aren't all HR types! 😆

When we told the in-laws they were like oh, didn't even know you were trying yet. I was like erm yep, for bloody ages lol (in so many words), ppl are funny though, like why would they know?! You don't announce when you're ttc but you do announce ivf, very odd business isn't it. So yeah our family and friends know, but I understand your Dh being unsure about saying. It's so personal isn't it.

Yeah injection was fine thanks, I squealed as I put it in lol but it was fine. Bit sore.

@notyetamumbuttrying this is the thing, she also knows my DP from the same company so she'll probably say similar. I did think actually she may have even had issues of her own in the past as she is mid 40s with no children so she may understand more than I expect 🤷🏼‍♀️ I think it's also this new teams world that makes it worse, I changed manager last year & so I haven't actually really met my new manager in person so that adds a new level of weirdness as well as telling someone something so personal virtually!
Yeah our parents would probably say the same about not even knowing we're TTC but I dunno, there is another couple we're quite close to & I believe DP told the DH of the couple we'd been trying etc so he may tell him. I have no problem with it as it would be nice for him to have support too (my best friend knows). Maybe it'll come up in conversation with people when/if it works & we end up telling them about the IVF but who knows.

So glad it went well & having a little giggle about your squeal, I'll probably be the same...sometimes a small squeal helps doesn't it? 😂😂

Hey ladies so had my day 2 scan today everything looked fine and the nurse just went through all of the medication how to inject etc. Was super quick and I asked lots of questions like does this mean I can’t get my hair done next week! I also asked if I get a cold but a negative Covid test am I still ok to continue which they said was fine, phew!
So I’m starting menopur tomorrow adding fyremadel 5 days later and I just need to go back in for another scan next Friday morning to see if I’m ready for egg collection on the Monday or if I need a few more days. So only 2 scans for me in all or maybe 3 depending on how I respond which is good as I hate getting the train! Will let you know how I get on with the jabs in the coming week! Anxiety has turned back into excitement! 😁

@Etonmess20 from where I was sitting you definitely didn't need to lose any weight! I totally understand your DP's thoughts on telling people it was IVF, it is so so private! I think we will because a) everyone knows I had my second tube out last year so they will work it out haha, and b) there's a part of me that thinks this is so lonely and this is the only place I can talk about it while it seems every person I have ever met is announcing a pregnancy on Instagram. Makes me think I am the only one sometimes! So I think saying it could be helpful to someone else I know that might feel that way. We aren't telling family during though as we don't want them to feel under pressure. I bet the people close to you would be shocked to know it has been 3 years! You never really know what people are going through do you. Like you say @notyetamumbuttrying in normal circumstances why would anyone know anyone is TTC!

@GJW2018 thanks for the update, I find it super helpful to know it's only one scan after the initial one! So can you get your hair done? Haha. It is very exciting. Crossing my fingers for you.

@GJW2018 I'm glad it all went well for you, these appointments & the process as a whole seem reallllly scary when you're first starting but it really is invaluable to have your experience being a couple of months ahead of us. After speaking with you all I feel so much more comfortable with everything.

@Vparisi hahahaha thank you but I am technically "overweight" so I feel like for my own peace of mind I wanted to be as healthy as possible, no crash diets or anything just maybe less treats & more exercise - although I'm sure the no drinking will help as well!
Oh god the insta pregnancy announcements are too much 🤦🏼‍♀️ & it really does feel like you're the only person in the world a lot of the time doesn't it? I don't actually think I'd have a problem with it as such but unless you actively tell people you had IVF (in our circumstance anyway) they wouldn't necessarily ask how we'd conceived so don't know as it would come up in conversation. I do really agree though that the silence on it all kind of perpetuates the stigma & the loneliness - it's just such a difficult thing to talk about. I was thinking earlier about the 1 in 8 statistic of experiencing infertility, that's SO many people but you never hear of it.
Super soppy but I feel so lucky to have you all to talk to, nice we're all at different stages & we can all help & reassure eachother