Page 2 | Any experiences of IVF at Newlife in Thessaloniki, Greece for over 40?

thanksinadvance · 2022-06-27T11:13:40+00:00

Hi all, Looking for an IVF clinic at 42 with own eggs and husband's sperm. Newlife in Thessaloniki, Greece, comes out with seemingly great reviews across the board (lots of them and very high scores, unlike the majority of other clinics) and the now-closed thread here says some good things https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/infertility/3708857-planning-cycle-with-newlife-greece-any-useful-advice Has anyone used Newlife for IVF as an older woman? Any insights/advice much appreciated. Thanks

Cally1980 · 20/11/2022 22:02

Thanks @GeorgiaPaige
best of luck with everything, I have my fingers and toes crossed for you and your partner.

We have had all our U.K. tests and have our first consultation booked in a week. I was wondering what the costs of your medication has been estimated as. Finances are a big hurdle for us so we’re trying to save what we can and hope to start next year. We’re you given a price at your consultation? I’m so excited. I had an Antral follicle count and AMH tests and blood tests etc. so much info!

GeorgiaPaige · 21/11/2022 04:11

Thank you :)

So far, my medications have been approx 800Euro. That has been ten days of stimulation and five shots of antagonist. Sorry, I did not keep the receipt for the cost per medicine. It will vary of course, on your dose and length of time on them.

I was given cost estimates during my consult, and they came in around that. You just need to leave wriggle room in case they need to up your dose :)

Exciting times for you! I hope your consult goes well.

If you're looking to keep costs down, Kalamaria is probably the closest area to the clinic and there are many Airbnb's around. The clinic also recommends some hotels, but for me was more cost effective to use Airbnb.

Let me know if there is anything else you want to know!

Serendipity24 · 21/11/2022 10:35

Thanks @GeorgiaPaige , best wishes for the retrieval and beyond. 🤞

Cally1980 · 30/11/2022 19:33

Hi @GeorgiaPaige i was thinking about you today and hope you are getting along okay in Greece. Hope everything went smoothly.

I had a test done by the nhs to check if my tubes are open and they have me contrast iodine solution and I’ve had a quite aggressive allergy skin reaction. I’m totally covered in itchy burning hives (everywhere) and I’m swollen including my face. Making trying to concieve a rather unattractive task for my partner haha.

GeorgiaPaige · 02/12/2022 10:34

@Cally1980 oh my gosh you poor thing! sounds horrible!

I am now back in Aus and feeling pretty good. Everything went well and now just working towards the implant stage. All very exciting

Cally1980 · 29/12/2022 17:59

Hey everyone. Hope you’re having a nice holiday time!
we had our consult and have been given a list of tests to get done and a payment portal link.my passport expires soon so I’m awaiting a new one before we go forward but it looks like we are getting the extra tests done on the embryos also so the costs are adding up. I’m excited/terrified about things.
@GeorgiaPaige i was wondering if they give you a list/images of the embryos, if they do the fertilisation immediately on retrieval then freeze? When are you going to be returning for your transfer? We are hoping for a February egg retrieval.

GeorgiaPaige · 29/12/2022 21:43

Morning :)

So excited for you! It's all happening!

Once eggs are retrieved, they are fertilised right away. I had almost daily updates on how the embryos were developing. Once they hit the freezer, I got a final report and I just checked, and yes, there are images of the ones that made it and the ones that were discarded. Very thorough reporting.

I've begun the next stage of medications to get ready for a transfer, hoping to head over end of Jan-ish.

G

sela42 · 27/02/2023 19:59

hello are you had your transfer? Are you ok?
is the clinic supportive? I am still searching for a clinic and I was wonder about the realistic costs? Is it worth it to travel abroad for IVF?

Cally1980 · 28/02/2023 07:43

Hi @GeorgiaPaige I was also wondering how you are getting along.
We are going over over for our preliminary blood tests this week and to check out the clinic.
So far they have been exceptionally helpful, despite my own disorganisation.

@sela42 the total costs are higher than the quoted 3500. Medication is 1000-1500 I think roughly and then preliminary blood tests are 400-1000 depending on what tests you require and what you can have your own doctor do for you, the tests are cheaper in their own clinic.
then you have added costs of scans at different times in the cycle when you are preparing for the retrieval. If you have all the scans done there they are free but then you have accommodation to think about. Also flights. We are having our first few scans done in the U.K. where we will pay, then later scans in the clinic. Assuming all of our tests are ok.
fingers crossed.

sela42 · 28/02/2023 14:36

thank you for your replay and I hope you would share your thought once there :} I manage to put together those costs and what I realised was that maybe better to have some of the testing here and going to work rather than have a prolong accommodation there 2-3 weeks I was told . But even so I will still be better going abroad than here in uk , financially wise. Good luck with your travel x

Original poster

thanksinadvance · 28/02/2023 18:27

Cally1980 · 28/02/2023 07:43

Hi @GeorgiaPaige I was also wondering how you are getting along.
We are going over over for our preliminary blood tests this week and to check out the clinic.
So far they have been exceptionally helpful, despite my own disorganisation.

@sela42 the total costs are higher than the quoted 3500. Medication is 1000-1500 I think roughly and then preliminary blood tests are 400-1000 depending on what tests you require and what you can have your own doctor do for you, the tests are cheaper in their own clinic.
then you have added costs of scans at different times in the cycle when you are preparing for the retrieval. If you have all the scans done there they are free but then you have accommodation to think about. Also flights. We are having our first few scans done in the U.K. where we will pay, then later scans in the clinic. Assuming all of our tests are ok.
fingers crossed.

How different do you think it is in price compared to the average UK clinic all things considered?

Certainly sounds like they're better than most of the clinics in terms of quality of care.

Thanks again

OP posts:

Cally1980 · 28/02/2023 20:08

It depends where you go/where you live. I’d add up the costs and see what the difference is for you. :)

GeorgiaPaige · 28/02/2023 23:28

Hello @Cally1980

I just got back last week from a transfer. Blood test tomorrow to see where things are at :)

@sela42 I did all my testing in Australia, began medications here and provided all results to the clinic and then when they said it's time, I basically booked a flight and headed over. VERY pricey from Australia, but to me, absolutely worth it. It's cheap to stay in Thessaloniki. The customer service from NewLife is second to none. They have been fantastic. Super responsive. I can't fault them :)

Serendipity24 · 01/03/2023 00:04

@GeorgiaPaige All the best for tomorrow, you're in my prayers ❤️

sela42 · 01/03/2023 16:30

'@GeorgiaPaige high numbers for tomorrow blood readings x

sela42 · 01/03/2023 16:36

@Cally1980 I could sense the openness from the preliminary talks :) from what you ladies are saying @Newlife all the worries and wanders can be put to ease .....thanks for your postings ...it helped me a lot in coming to a final decision xx

Cally1980 · 03/04/2023 21:16

@GeorgiaPaige how is it going for you? We are having our egg retrieval in May hopefully but I guess all depends on my follicle count.
I hope things are okay, these are difficult times.

GeorgiaPaige · 09/08/2023 07:23

@Cally1980 totally forgot to reply! Hope all is going well. My experience got a whole lot better, found out I am having twins from the one embryo!