What can I expect?

[Jazper]

Hi all.
So, after almost two years of TTC with an early MC and a MMC in that time, we have made the decision to go for self funded IVF.
We've had all the initial tests, bloods, hycosy, semen analysis and now we await our 'initial IVF consultation' on 25th Oct.
I'm curious what I will be looking at, time scale wise. Our consultant made it sound as though once I'd had the initial appointment, I would receive meds on the first day of my next bleed. Is it really that 'simple'? (I don't mean the process of IVF, just the simplicity of 'oh, you'll let them know you are bleeding and you'll receive your meds...' type of thing).
I will be due my period in the first week of November, so less than two weeks between appointment and first day of cycle. Could I really be beginning treatment in November, or is this too hopeful?
Also keen to receive absolutely ANY advice, insight or hints and tips that can be shared in the process of IVF.
For info, I exercise, am within 'normal' weight range and take vitamin D and folic acid and packing bags and bags of nerves, fear and cautious excitement...

I'm in the same boat! We spoke to a private clinic last week. Had all our tests done previously. DH had an updated sperm test today & I have a scan tomorrow. Then the doctor says we should start on my next AF which is the last few days of October. All pretty fast.

Different clinics will have different waiting times and policies, and funding arrangements influence waiting times as well, so there isn't really a single clear guide for timescales. Some people have waits of over a year to get to the point of phoning up with their next cycle.

Once you reach the point where you're to phone up on the first day of your next cycle, whether you can start or not may also depend on how many other people are having treatment that month - if they're full that month then you might need to wait until the next month. It might also be relevant that at some clinics you actually start medications on the cycle following the one you phoned up with, as they use that first cycle to schedule your treatment, do final checks before starting, etc. All of this depends on the individual clinic's policies though.

Sometimes clinics will also need to close for cleaning, the festive period, etc. They can't see patients during times they're closed so patients who would normally start then would need to wait for their next cycle.

Basically, there's no single approach to the process as there are so many variables. If you've been given provisional dates, I'd be cautiously optimistic about those dates, but be mindful that things can change unexpectedly.

Good luck!

It was super quick for us too. I think this initial bit can happen quickly. We had all tests done in the spring/summer then signed up for IVF in early September. We had our consent appointment on 22nd Sept and were given my schedule; I started norethisterone on 4th October and I'll be doing the stims injections from next week. Egg retrieval around first week of November (then all of the waiting begins!). I think with all the waiting we're used to this bit can feel surprisingly quick! Good luck :)

My experience is that it was quite fast once it got to that stage. As PP said, different clinics vary, and it depends what they've got going on at the time. Beware of potential delays if any part of your treatment is likely to fall around Christmas (which may be an issue for you if it doesn't start in November as you hope).

I was at your stage Aug 2019. Egg collection was mid September 2019. I had a two month delay between collection and transfer because of OHSS, so even when the clinic is moving as fast as you'd hope, things can still happen to delay.

Good luck!