after ttc 23 months ivf referral

[vegas]

Hi girls, So I thought I would start a new thread so I can keep my ivf journey updated. After 23 months of ttc I have just been referred for ivf, i've included what tests I've had done below.

day 2 bloods
day 21 bloods x2
Swabs
urine tests
Hsg

All clear and hubby had 2 lots of sperm analysis done, both normal.

Looking forward to that first appointment coming through. Don't know what to expect but it's exiting and really scary at the same time. I'm holding onto hope it will happen naturally while I wait for treatment

would love to hear from any girls who've also just got a referral

 

[Browneyed Girl]

Hi hun, I've just had my first icsi (waiting to find out if it worked!) so a bit further on than you but I'm guessing your treatment will be on the NHS and so is mine.

My first appointment at the ivf clinic was for more bloods and a scan. The bloods were things like HIV and AMH, FSH etc. I also had to get a rubella test and smear done at my GPs as they wanted these results also so it might be worth checking if there are other things they need as well so you can get them organised. It was then about 4 months until my next appointment to discuss whether I'd been accepted, what treatment I would be having and sign all the consent forms. I also had to have an MRI scan and hysteroscopy which delayed things for several months. In my area, when you've been accepted you're given a phone number to ring and you can be declined the first 3 months but then they have to make room for you on the 4th month and book you on a teach course. Once you've had your teach and got your drugs you have to start ringing again to get accepted to start. Do you know how it works in your area? I think some places have a waiting list still but Manchester has this system of ringing every month to try and meet the 18 week target (it doesn't work unfortunately but it does mean you don't have a set time to wait and might get lucky). It was a total of 14 months from being referred to starting treatment for me although I did have delays - I hope it's much quicker for you! It helps to be realistic though as the NHS can be a bit slow.

If you go on the fertility friends website there might be a forum for ivf at your hospital, I've found it really helpful for finding out how it works at my hospital as everywhere is different xxx

 

[louielly]

Wow I didn't realise you had to wait so long from the time of your referral Browneyed girl. Must have been so frustrating!!

Mine was quicker Vegas so I think it does depend on where you are in the country (Im also just turned 36. 35 when referred, so I think this played a part in the quickness of mine too. The hospital said we need to get you referred quickly so that you dont miss the cut-off)

We were referred in July this year. Then end of September I received my funding application letter where I had to choose which clinic we wanted. I then had my first appointment on 22nd October!

We had to repeat some tests before the appointment including Smear, HIV & Hepatitis etc.

On our first appointment we saw the consultant and went through a couple of forms, medical history etc. Just explained the process really (I felt a bit cheated as I didn't learn anything new to what I had learnt here). Also had to have another scan which is their standard proceedure.

We then had our nurse consultation (14th Nov) and this was good. Really felt that we moving along!! They had what medication and doses I would be on and how to administer it... We went through the remaining paperwork and she explained everything in great detail. Decided when we would start (We're starting on next AF beginning of December) You phone up on day 1 or 2 of your cycle and the drugs are sent out to you.

I would say from our referral to first cycle will be about 5 months. I'm with Epping Forest PCT for NHS and chose The Oxford Fertility Clinic but everwhere is different....

Good luck with everything xx

 

[Browneyed Girl]

It has been incredibly frustrating and I am 36 as well (37 in 3 months) so not exactly got time on my side. To be fair they accepted me on my first request because of all the delays but they were then struggling for teach slots so it still wasn't that quick. My pct fund ivf but don't carry it out so everyone is referred to one hospital in Manchester and think this is the same for other pcts in the area so they have a lot of patients. We didn't get a choice of clinic but if you do its definitely worth looking at wait times as well as success rates xx

 

[vegas]

Wow thanks girls, it's good to know the scale of things and how long it can take. I really don't know what happens in my area, I hope it's not too long till we get things going. So far I've told them what hospital I would prefer as he gave me a choice of 2 to be referred to. I knew it could take months but not more than a year. It's good to be prepared though.

 

[Poispinner]

Hello ladies, hope you dont mind me joining your convo. Im 30 and been ttc for 3 1/2 years. Bloods, swabs and SA all fine. GP now referring us to fertility clinic . Not really sure what to expect. GP had told me at the start that I would have to have a lap and dye if all tests come bk clear but there has been no mention since . Could this be the next step after referal? X

 

[vegas]

After bloods, swabs and SA I had a hsg (dye test) so that'll prob be your next step. Can I ask how long did u leave it to go see your doctor for tests?

 

[Poispinner]

First went to GP in feb of this year so nearly 3 years. Probably should have gone sooner but you always think its going to happen naturally! Cant believe tho that its taken 10 months to do two blood tests, two SAs and a swab! It certainkly is a long process!

 

[Poispinner]

How do they do a hsg? Is that the same as a lap and dye? Had u been referred at that stage?

Sorry for all the questions!! =)

 

[vegas]

I first went in may after nearly 18 months. Had urine tests, swabs, cycle day 21 bloods X2, cycle day 2 bloods. Hubby had 2 lots of analysis and just had hsg results. So all them have taken 6 months really. I have just now been referred after all our tests have come back normal. The hsg test is where they inject dye into your tubes then x ray to check for blockages. Haven't had a lap which is when they use a camera. Could possibly get that if ivf people think it's necessary. I think I'll be waiting months for 1st appointment, long road ahead. In a way I wish I'd gone earlier like after a year.

 

[Poispinner]

Well after only speaking with my GP last friday and finding out all tests were clear, she toldnme it would take a couple of weeks for her to complete the referral paperwork. I have today received our first fertility clinic appointment!! 8th January so not long to wait! Hope your next appointment doesnt take too long .

 

[vegas]

That is quick, hope mine is that quick. I'm assuming the first appointment would be an introduction and loads of questions. Eeeeeeeeee it's exiting

 

[Poispinner]

It certainly is and a bit nervewrecking too! Have you told friends and family?

 

[vegas]

Yeah I have told them and it's such a lift off my shoulders knowing they know what is going on and not trying to avoid awkward questions anymore.

 

[vegas]

Have u told friends and family?

 

[Poispinner]

My family know but his dont. Didnt tell them when we first started trying just because they would get over-excited and a little glad I didnt as it has taken so long. But im now wondering if its time especially with maybe starting IVF. OH is not sure. They are always asking when we are going to start a family and whenever we have our niece or nephew they always make a joke saying we need to start practising! I know they only mean well and that its because they dont know what we are going through but its hard sometimes. Thats why I think its time.

 

[Jasmine111]

I'm joining the ivf journey. I just posted on my TTC journal- been referred today by my Consultant. Xx

 

[Poispinner]

Will pop over and have a read. Good luck keep us updated x

 

[vegas]

Looks like the 3 of us are all pretty much at the same stage

 

[Poispinner]

I think you too are a little ahead of me but we are definately on the right road. Would love to keep updated on both your progress and hopefully we will all be bump buddies in 2015! =) x