Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Infertility

Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

Original poster

When can investigations resume? (Scotland.)

782 replies

theotherfossilsister · 07/05/2020 13:53

Just that really, I know it's a difficult time for so many people, but clinics shuttered just as DP finally agreed to get his semen analyisis done. My progesterone was normal, and I have regular periods, so I don't think Clomid would be an option for us. We've been trying for a year and a half, and I am 35 on Saturday.

If we do get a referral, and need IVF, how long will that take? So many questions?

Thanks

OP posts:
lillibeth86 · 15/05/2020 12:05

Don't worry too much about the list. It seems HFEA is not great in updating it.

The Twitter announcement from the Fertility Partnership yesterday:
We’re delighted to announce that all of our UK clinics have now reopened! As of today, we have resumed all fertility treatments.

And most of these clinics don't show on the HFEA list either.

I keep my fingers crossed that your clinics reach out to you soon!

Original poster
theotherfossilsister · 15/05/2020 12:16

@lillibeth86 I am going to sound so dim here, but what is the fertility partnership and what is the difference between them and HEFA?

OP posts:
lillibeth86 · 15/05/2020 12:23

oh no, not at all. Sorry I should have clarified more.
The fertility partnership is a group of around 30 or so fertility clinics in the UK. And they announced on their on social media that all of there clinics have the permission to open even though they don't show on the official HFEA yet. Which led to my observation that the HFEA is not updating the list as regularly as we are all hoping.

So HFEA is the authority that makes the decision.
The fertility partnership clinics are just clinics that were waiting to reopen like any other clinic.

lillibeth86 · 15/05/2020 12:25

sorry double post. Some of those clinics of the partnership are offering NHS funded treatment, so there is hope!
I'm not sure which ones because mine is just private.

BambiOnIce80 · 15/05/2020 12:56

Nice work on finding Deidre's email address @theotherfossilsister 👏 I think I'd follow Ruth Davidson's lead and ask why the Scottish IVF clinics haven't been given permission yet for reopening by the Scottish government in line with the rest of the UK (aka. how come we're being disadvantaged because we're in Scotland?! 🤨).

I'm happy to send the same sort of email. Strength in numbers and all that 💪

Original poster
theotherfossilsister · 15/05/2020 13:11

@lilibeth86 ah, thank you. I hope that HEFA is just being really slow in that point.

@BambiOnIce80 I didn't know Ruth Davidson had asked, that's fantastic. Yes, I think we should all ask, just not sure what exactly to say. Apparently they have twenty days to respond, so things might be better by then, Would be great if they could ask health secretary though.

OP posts:
BeHereNowx32 · 16/05/2020 19:49

Edinburgh fertility centre Facebook:

We understand this has been a challenging and distressing time for our patients and would like to reassure you that the clinic is working to ensure all the necessary protocols and procedures are in place to resume services as soon as possible. On Monday 18th May 2020 we will submit our application to the Human Fertilisation & Embryology Authority (HFEA) to restart our services. Following approval from the HFEA, clinic staff will begin to contact patients. Please be assured we will be in touch as soon as possible.

We have been working closely with Fertility Network Scotland who you can contact for support, advice...

BeHereNowx32 · 16/05/2020 19:50

It then gives the contact numbers

That’s good news then

LouScot · 16/05/2020 20:17

That's great news for those having treatment in Edinburgh, really like that they've given details of an organisation who can help give support and advice. Hope it'll make some of your weekends that wee bit easier x

RonRon1 · 16/05/2020 20:43

Oh this has made me so happy. I have had a really hard week, feeling low and powerless . I hope all waiting hear soon! Happy Saturday night guys! Thanks @BeHereNowx32

LouScot · 16/05/2020 21:24

Hope you're able to have a decent sleep tonight @RonRon1 and that it's a better day for you tomorrow x

BambiOnIce80 · 16/05/2020 22:13

You have absolutely made my weekend @BeHereNowx32 ❤️ What a relief 😪 Hopefully you'll get a call ASAP @RonRon1 🤞

BeHereNowx32 · 17/05/2020 00:48

@RonRon1 hope you’re ok. I’m glad that news could help a bit.

@BambiOnIce80 that’s ok. Wasn’t going to check with it being a Saturday night. But glad I did.

RonRon1 · 17/05/2020 11:31

Thanks guys. I am fine. I just always try stay positive and was getting a bit down knowing the Edinburgh Clinic had not even submitted their application but I am glad to hear it is going in tomo!!

Hopefully we hear soon and those waiting for further investigation also get booked in.

x

BeHereNowx32 · 19/05/2020 20:46

Feels like we’ve been waiting ages for news 😫 I’m still checking their Facebook page, even though they only applied yesterday!
Hope everyone else is coping ok

willithappen · 19/05/2020 21:58

@BeHereNowx32 have you contacted your clinic at all? Which one are you at again?

RonRon1 · 20/05/2020 06:33

Well I have a feeling today will be the day! If not I bet it will be approved by then end of the week. I am Edinburgh NHS. I have tried to stop checking HEFA (every 5 minutes) and am going to TRY and wait until I get back from work. (Unlikely)

BeHereNowx32 · 20/05/2020 06:46

@willithappen I’m at Edinburgh. They have stated that they don’t want to be contacted about this, so I am just using their Facebook page for updates. They only submitted the application in the 18th.

@RonRon1 it has to be soon! I will let you know if I see any updates 🤞

BambiOnIce80 · 20/05/2020 08:24

I've surprised myself by managing to only check the HFEA website 3 times on Monday (they didn't update it until quite late in the day, didn't they?! 😕) and only after work yesterday - I'm guessing they're swamped with applications now and as a result their updates are slowing down? 🤔 I'm hopeful for by the end of the week too @RonRon1🤞 Well... as long as they don't have to update any parts of their application to achieve approval 🤞🤞🤞

BambiOnIce80 · 20/05/2020 09:48

@theotherfossilsister @LouScot @RonRon1 @BeHereNowx32!!!

I caved in and checked and I'm glad I did!! 🤩🥳🤩🥳

Aberdeen is in there too, at first glance 👍

When can investigations resume? (Scotland.)
BambiOnIce80 · 20/05/2020 09:57

Just double checked and GRI and Ninewells are on there too 😁 Fingers crossed that some of us get some communication from them soon 🤞Please update if you do.x

RonRon1 · 20/05/2020 09:59

As soon as I saw it I came rushing on here to share but you were beat me to it Bambie :) ! Yey! I am so happy I feel like leaving my work early!

Lets keep each other posted on when we hear from our clinic. I will defo not call just now as they will hopefully be scheduling our appointments.

lillibeth86 · 20/05/2020 10:10

Brilliant news!!! I hope the clinics reach out to you soon! 👍

LouScot · 20/05/2020 10:15

Oh that's great!! Hopefully you hear very soon. I've sent Gcrm two emails but I totally appreciate I'll be lower down their priority than those who had treatment interrupted /cancelled.
Hope everyone manages to get some sun today ☀️ x

BambiOnIce80 · 20/05/2020 10:15

I was thinking the same @RonRon1 👍 If they're inundated with phone calls then that's taking them away from doing treatment plans and sending out appointments. We'd been scheduled in for a FET in July, so I doubt we'll hear from them as soon as you guys who were about to start pre-lockdown (and I reckon we'll be pushed back because of the backlog from March/April/May 😏). Would be fantastic to hear that things are moving forward for everybody else - sending positivity for speedy appointment letters coming your way! 💓