Had my first in person fertility clinic appointment today... I walked out...

[Cinnamontoas]

So 10 months after my first doctors appointment I finally had my first in person appointment at the fertility unit

When I arrived this morning I asked reception and the response was `eurgh we never know where the fertility clinic is' and I was asked to wait on the seats right outside the early pregnancy unit (I.e. with all the pregnant women). I was so upset I just walked out.

They called me later on to say the appointment had been rescheduled anyway.

It just feels even more cruel today.

So sorry that was your first experience. I've sometimes found things a bit callous and cold, I think people are so busy in those roles they forget the months and years of strain most women have had to just get to that point. I hope your next one is better, and that you get answers quickly xx

Ooft. I would encourage you to tell the fetility clinic that this is how general reception are treating their patients!

I have found staff at the actual fertility services to be very compassionate, I hope the same is true for you

There is various work going on to try to separate physically fertility and loss services from general maternity, which I think is very important.

I’m so sorry this was your first experience. Truly awful! I’m not surprised you left.

Do whatever you can to feel safe and calm ahead of your next appointment. Epsom salts bath and candles the night before, writing your feelings down if it helps, maybe even a guided meditation or yoga. I almost have to mentally get into a little bubble of my own to face these things.

Hope your next experience is better 💛

@Cinnamontoas this happened to me as soon as I was referred to IVF this changed- it's awful but please try and stick it out. I complained.

Sending you virtual hugs

Similar happened to me too. I had a miscarriage from our first IVF cycle and was told to sit outside EPU as they were full inside. The waiting area was adjoining with the regular pregnancy unit. I had to sit there for five hours waiting for a scan to tell me the sac was empty whilst I saw women walk past with eight month pregnant bellies. I don’t know who designs these waiting areas but there is an incredible lack of consideration for peoples situations.

Please don’t let this stop you though, the doctors you will deal with in the IVF clinic will understand your situation, have compassion and help. And ultimately you will have a shot at your dream. Please don’t give up. I completely understand how you feel, not only the miscarriage appointments but the I remember the fertility clinic appointments were just as bad, they were always totally demoralising, but they are the red tape you need to get past to get proper treatment and then you’ll be on a better path. Wishing you so much luck. X

Thank you everyone!

Its so hard to keep perspective when you're in the middle of it all!

I gave myself a few days to feel sad and angry and I'm much happier now (the comments really helped!)

HyCoSy is booked for next week (private) so we are moving in the right direction

oh no 😭 what a tough situation to be in, glad you're going in a different direction and are feeling better
xx

Thank you, I think I was so hopeful after the long wait that it felt even more disappointing

I've since been sent 3 letters... One saying come in to the clinic, one saying don't come in to the clinic as it will be a phone appointment and another one from the Dr's with mine and my husband's test results which I think was supposed go on to the fertility clinic