@Sunflower360 Our bank is empty too! I've put aside just enough for the next 1-3 FETs (I have 6 blasts and a day3 - and I'm thinking double transfers as I havent tested the embryos..). I can write a 3-part book to document my 2022-2024 rollercoaster journey so far!
I feel that I've rushed into things when my first and only "free" cycle failed. I was in such a hurry I got sucked into the private clinic (Create) without first exploring my options. I am very disappointed with Create and really wish I've used that money in Prague instead. I mean, it's not a success (with Prague) (yet), but the experience has been so much more pleasant.. we all know stress and anger doesn't help with the IVF outcome so dealing with incompetency after spending so much money makes me feel very unjustified.
I was initially looking into Spain and Greece (one of the virtual GPs I spoke to had success in Spain and told me not to spend my money with the private clinics in the UK, wish I met her sooner). I actually chanced upon a 'Praga Medica' post on mumsnet and asked the OP the initial questions; and subsequently sent an enquiry to the clinic. There is also a FB group available so I joined that too. It felt that there was a lot of support available even before I started the journey with treatment abroad so that was a positive.
I haven't had any other experience abroad; I went with Prague because I thought it was the cheapest (and money was running low at that point) and easiest to get to and from. The initial consultation was free and they will only give you your plan when you have paid a deposit, I thought that was fair. Again - I'm comparing a lot of this to Create so I'm not happy I had to pay the £200 just to have an initial consultation with Create. I think that amount is also inconsistent with different patients.
I find that the Prague clinic is more attentive and sensitive towards the patient i.e., my doctor really dug into my notes to understand the situation. I am quite a straightforward case to be fair: early 40s, lazy and abnormal sperm, no other issues apart from NK cells and clotty blood. They will make a recommendation but does not try and upsell. I asked for the hysteroscopy and he checked that I absolutely am sure I want to do that because he doesn't think it necessary. The first FET is included in the package (unlike Create) so that's a plus. There is no faffing about with the appointments, they see people on time and not so many scans required. Overall it felt more efficient. You go in, you have a scan, you get an updated plan - It felt that they are a lot more experienced than Create. I mean, they aren't perfect, there were some mistakes administratively made but always quickly rectified.. English isn't their first language so I keep that in consideration to not be too critical.
Out of the 6 blasts, 2 of them (+ the day 3) are with Create; and I'm transporting them next week back to the NHS clinic (as a private patient). I looked into transporting that to Prague but that's just money I don't have... an FET as a private patient with NHS is half what Create is charging. I had to pay a release fee so not happy about that too, but I'm glad I don't have to deal with them anymore after next week.
Sorry for the long post (my longest yet!), hope it's helpful!