Coronavirus and fertility clinics.

[mabel92]

Has anyone’s fertility clinic told them they will close due to Coronavirus? I’m due to start treatment and now confused as what to do or whether I’ll be able to start. Thanks.

@ivfgottostaypositive from my past experience I had 3 scans. Baseline scan to check the down reg was working nicely (approx 2 weeks after I started down reg) and then another 2 scans to check the lining was thickening up first around 2 weeks after the baseline and then another a week later (week before FET to check lining is still thick enough)...unfortunately my transfer was then cancelled but I wasn’t due any other scans. Good luck with your treatment x

@ivfgottostaypositive I’ve had 2 scans with medicated FET. One to confirm I’ve downregulated and one after taking oestrogen to confirm lining thick enough to start progesterone. I think you can end up with more scans if you haven’t responded to downreg as expected or if needing longer on oestrogen to get lining thick enough. Even pre Covid I got the impression that some clinics liked to use medicated FET as they can extend the length of downreg to manipulate the timing of ET (to some extent) so they can spread out their transfers and avoid appointments on weekends.

It’s going to be a long week until I find out whether cycle can go ahead. Still have some hope but probably best I prepare for another wait.

So sorry to hear many people are in a similar position or haven’t yet heard from their clinics ☹️

Our clinic is NHS and they are updating their website every week but we have not had a call from them as yet. Waiting for our first FET after it being cancelled on 17th March... they have said that they are still getting staff back from redeployment and do not have a date for IVF/ FET's yet

This feels like a looooong waiting game!

@Lemongrass1 Like yourself I had my hopes up for starting v.quickly as I had the online consult and was all set to go - only to be called back and have all treatment delayed by at least another month. If you are at a nhs London clinic I suspect it may be the same one as me.

@Liliclaire I have been a bit worried about self isolating through the treatment too which I why I wanted to go ahead during lockdown as I’m also working from home and felt this was the best time as I’m at low risk of having covid. Once I get called back in to work my risk significantly increases which is highly frustrating.

On the plus side I may be able to squeeze in some acupuncture if some additional lockdown restrictions are lifted early July and my treatment doesn’t start until then.

Hope everyone is bearing up ok with this wait x

Has anyone heard from kings?

@PositiveThinkerAlways could be the same clinic! It is a nhs London clinic too.

@jaxcharlie that’s good your clinic have a website they are updating. Ours doesn’t have a website or any SM presence so having to call them multiple times for any updates is a hassle. I think they are still on reduced staffing so it’s hard to catch someone when they are actually at the phone

How’s everyone holding up? I just want to know either way so I can move on

I got a call from my clinic yesterday which was great. They explained the whole system and how they only have a very limited amount of staff and a massive back log to get through. They have split patients into categories ie. Category 1 - is for those who’s treatments were halted half way or just about to start and they will be put through first. Category 2 - for those who had had their investigations and were just about to sign consents and book treatments. Category 3 - Those who were starting investigations and new patients.
I really appreciated the personal phone call and the explanations of how the clinic would work and what the timescale would be like, they all have a big task on their hands.

It’s good to hear that lots of work is going on in the background to get started up again and I’m feeling positive now some people are already having initial blood tests and scans.
I guess the NHS trusts are last to get going because of the additional paperwork involved and re-deployment of staff etc., as others have said on this forum.
I shall wait patiently (no other choice really!) but good to hear other people’s experiences as it gives hope that things will start up at some point so thanks to all who contribute on here - it really is very much appreciated x

@mabel9 great news that your clinic have called you and explained things thoroughly. I hope it’s not too long for you to start treatment.

Was wondering if anyone at a NHS clinic has actually been able to start treatment yet. I’m waiting to hear tomorrow if the clinic has been granted approval to resume treatments. Don’t feel overly optimistic but I just need to know either way at this stage from a logistics point of view

I haven’t heard from my clinic yet but it would be really helpful if people did post on here when their nhs clinic resumes treatments again as it will help to know what is happening up & down the country.
Thanks ladies x

@Lemongrass1 @PositiveThinkerAlways

I’ve got my planning appointment on Friday and collection of drugs for my FET cycle, due to start injections next Wednesday so I’ll post on here once I’ve been (praying I don’t get a last minute call to cancel I don’t think I could take it if the rug gets pulled again) 🤞🏼 We’re with an NHS clinic but paying for treatment

@Liliclaire Thanks for that - I will definitely keep my fingers & toes crossed that your treatment goes ahead and runs smoothly for you🤞
It could be a huge benefit that the clinics are not seeing lots of patients as I would think they should have more time to dedicate to your case and spot any tweaks that may improve the final outcome for you.
Sending you positive vibes and keep us posted how you are getting on xx

Thank you @PositiveThinkerAlways

@PositiveThinkerAlways I hope you get to hear back from your clinic soon, and with a firmer date. @Liliclaire Good luck on your upcoming treatment! Will also be crossing my fingers that it goes smoothly.

I’ll post tomorrow if I hear from our clinic, I’ll have to chase them if they don’t call as I won’t know whether to turn up or not on Fri otherwise!

Hope you are all OK. I hate the waiting around not knowing anything. My NHS clinic said look at the website which is updated. It hasn't been updated since May 13th.

@Lemongrass1 St Mary’s Manchester appeared on the approved list last week and have updated their website today, but I’ve heard nothing from them since my FET was cancelled. Hoping it will be soon.

I haven't heard much from my clinic, I had a call with the embryologist to discuss next steps, but that was weeks ago now and heard nothing since.

Does anyone know if you normally need a baseline scan before fet?

@bunhead34 I’ve not had to have a baseline scan before FET before. First scan for me is usually 2 weeks after down reg

Hello ladies.

I’m so pleased to hear some of you have heard back from your clinics and can commence treatment soon. Good luck to you all! 💛

For those who have spoken to your clinics, have they discussed self isolating during treatment? I only ask as I work in the hospital and am concerned as I would be pretty high risk with direct patient contact daily.

Our clinic (NHS) updated their website the other day to say that they have been given approval from The HFEA to resume treatments but still cannot give any specific dates as to when ☹️

@Lizzybee80 my clinic said I should isolate as much as possible during treatment. Basically just don't be stupid or take unnecessary risks.

@Lemongrass1 thanks that's good to know.
The hospital said I would beable to go ahead June cycle but they are taking so long to get to me I think we will have missed that. As the dr said I'd have a day 22 baseline scan (day 22 was yesterday). But if I don't need a baseline scan maybe I still have a chance for June ❤️

@Lizzybee80 our clinic have not advised to self isolate. We do have to sign a form to say we will abide by social distancing rules etc.

@bunhead34 do you think it’s worth giving them a call if they’ve previously said you would be able to cycle in June?

@Lemongrass1 I've called and emailed a few times I'm beginning to feel like a nuisance!
They just say the same thing, it's like talking to a robot - they can't guarantee when an appointment will be available, nurses working through a list, they'll call when there's an appointment.
Give them a call again if I've not heard anything in 2 weeks 😭
I think it was mean of them to tell me June if there was no chance of that actually happening!