Good afternoon everyone!
I hope I’m posting this in the right place & I apologise in advance for any errors. I’m a long time lurker so unsure of any rules etc. but finally got the courage to post my own story and I really appreciate any advice/guidance.
Backstory:
Me & DH have been TTC without success for around 18 months. We are both almost 30.
I was diagnosed with endometriosis during a routine operation for a hernia repair back in March 2023. I wasn’t surprised by the diagnosis, as I’d suffered with all the usual horrendous symptoms like pain, bowel problems during period etc. but had just lived with them. Nothing further came of the diagnosis as we weren’t ready to TTC at that time.
I was conscious about the potential impact on my fertility but tried to put it to the back of my mind, but lo & behold, no success so far whilst it feels like all of our friends are pregnant, have been pregnant, had little ones and are contemplating TTC No2. It’s heartbreaking to feel like the only one where it isn’t straightforward.
I spoke with GP back in November, and we were referred to NHS Fertility clinic in the New Year. Neither of us have had any routine bloods done beforehand, or sperm analysis, nothing.
They advised the first appt. is with the nurse and very much information gathering and then booking in further tests from there.
I just wondered if anyone else had any experiences of this? As most other posts reference at least having some blood tests or SA done beforehand.
I would really like to hear about anyone else’s experiences dealing with similar issues. What treatment you had, how long the process took on the NHS or private, just your stories really.
& if you have any advice regarding information I can take along to the appointment, questions to ask & questions you get asked during the appt. so that I can get the most out of it.
DH feels hopeful as at least we will get more information/answers and hopefully treatment for my endo to improve our chances. But I’m a bag of nerves…I know there are so many stories of couples who have been trying for much much longer, or have had bad news, miscarriages and truly heartbreaking stories. But I just feel so alone and also so afraid to get my hopes up about what’s to come just in case it isn’t a happy ending…
I wish I had a crystal ball into the future to see the outcome either way instead of living in this unknown, but I suppose that’s what everyone wants too.
Any traffic deeply appreciated ❤️