Clinic finally referred us to hospital - I presume this is good news?!

[AmsterDAMN]

A year after our GP referred us for infertility investigations and admin fail after admin fail by the clinic, all our tests are finally done and we have an appointment with our chosen hospital for treatment. Hurrah! I assume this means we've got the funding and that they will actually treat us?!

Appointment is end of October. What should be expect? More tests? Will we actually start IVF? There is zero communication from anyone about anything and I really don't understand it all...

Hi there OP, sorry can't help, but I think now you will start with your protocol, but I think someone with experience will help you out.

I just wanted to wish all the best of luck!

@AmsterDAMN it sounds like you're at a similar stage to me. All of our tests to diagnose the cause of infertility have been done and we've finally got a referral to an IVF clinic. First appointment via Skype on 12th Oct but other than that I'm in the dark as to how quickly we'll actually start IVF! There's a thread in here somewhere for those starting the process in Oct/Nov so it might be useful to join that 😊

Hiya I feel your pain. I was in your shoes a year ago. It will all depend on what tests you have had done but my best guess will be that they are the basic bloods and swabs?when I first met my consultant we went though these tests and what he felt were the most likely issues. I was then required to repeat some of the bloods and he added a few more on because he didn’t believe my hormone levels could be so low. Unfortunately they really were that low. I then moved to the next set of tests which included an internal ultrasound scan and something called an HSG which is x-rays of your womb and tubes to make sure were are no issues. Only after all these results were discussed with the consultant were we given a treatment plan. I was surprised but I wasn’t initially referred straight to IVF. I was tried on some tablets to bring my hormones up first before we finally had our first round of IVF in August.

I’m sorry that that might not be quite the timeline you were expecting (it certainly wasn’t what I expected). Another tip I would have it expect to have a blood test every time you have a meeting with the consultant. They like to keep testing you for different things and always spring it on you. At least if you expect it, you can make sure you are hydrated so they can take blood easier.

Hope that helps? More than happy to answer any questions you have. I remember I have so many and no one to ask. Good luck 🤞

Thank you all! I've had two amh tests, day 2 tests, the hycosy, HIV and other STD tests. Partner has had bloods and semen analysis. It's a sperm problem - my results were all 'normal'. I feel it's taken so long to get to this point. The NHS cut off age is 39 and I turn 39 four days before our appointment although I understand they need to get the eggs before my 40th birthday or something. I've had two miscarriages with previous partners - does this affect the treatment? I need to write a long list of questions for the appointment!

I know how you feel about the length of time it takes to get through each stage. I dont know if previous miscarriages make any difference as I havent had any. They do ask if you have though so maybe it helps to tailor your treatment. Definitely take a long list of questions. Even if they seem stupid, if you dont know the answer, they are not stupid. Good luck!