Rubella immunisation

[Peony1]

Hi, I’ve been trying to conceive for about 14 months now. All tests came back good and we’ve been referred to the fertility clinic. However, my docs said they didn’t have a record of me having rubella immunisation (although my mum thinks I had it when I was little) so they sent me off for a blood test as they can’t refer me to the fertility clinic if this is not done. I had a call today, after doing the blood test a couple of days ago, to say I need to get the immunisation done. I’ve booked it but after reading on the internet it looks as though I need to not get pregnant a month after having it done! As I can’t get it done until a couple of days after my fertile week this month, it means that I would actually have to miss two months chances! I’m absolutely devastated as after trying for 14 months, missing 2 months chances is heartbreaking to me. This feels worse than when AF arrives.

I’ve got a call with the doctor on Tuesday just to talk to me about it, as no doctor has actually told me this is the case. If I hadn’t have googled, I’d have been trying to get pregnant before the immunisation, as normal.

Has anyone hadn’t any experience with this? Thanks x

Also a little peed off that the doctors are only mentioning this to me now, after 14 months

 

[Star128]

Hi. This is my first time posting but I've been following the ttc threads for a while! I'm in the same situation as you, been ttc for 18 months and finally bit the bullet and went to the doctors a couple of months ago. All tests came back fine so we've been referred to the fertility clinic. I too was asked for my rubella/mmr immunisation date by the fertility clinic. I had a blood test to check my rubella antibody levels which came back positive but I was still advised to get an mmr which I had on Wednesday. The nurse at my GP surgery advised that I wait until af arrive before getting it done, she also advised we shouldn't try to conceive for 4 weeks following the mmr. She explained that the mmr is a live vaccine and although there is no evidence to say that it's harmful in early pregnancy, there is no evidence to say that it's not, so the recommendation is to wait for 4 weeks. Now I'm trying to get my head around a month of not ttc!!! Missing 2 months must be devastating for you. Could you wait until the beginning of your next cycle before getting it done and continue trying this month as normal? But I guess that would delay your referral... I feel for you, hope the GP is helpful in talking you through it xx

 

[Peony1]

Hi, thanks for the reply. Not that I’d wish it on anyone else, but somehow helps to know somebody is going through the same thing as me right now!
Thanks for the info, it has reassured me I think I will wait to speak to the doctor and see how much of a delay it would cause if I did delay it until a better time of the month. The trouble is, timing the date to get it done with the dates that my docs have available appointments
I really don’t think I can cope with purposefully missing two months... one month is bad enough but I defo wouldn’t want to risk it, even if there has been no evidence that it does anything to the baby.
Are you ttc for your first? How old are you? I’m 31 and this is for my much much much wanted 1st! How have you found the process of going to the docs so far?

 

[Star128]

I know what you mean, it helps me to know someone else is going through the same too! I'm 36 and ttc my first! I put off going to the doctors for longer than I should have, I kept hoping this would happen naturally. I've found the process at the docs so far to be OK, there was a mix up with my bloods and they tested progesterone twice by mistake which delayed things a bit but they've been great at slotting me in for bloods etc I've just posted all my info to the fertility clinic today, the letter said it's 12 week waiting list. How have you found the process? When are you due to go in for the immunisation? I got mine done on cd2, the nurse booked that date based on my predicted af. It's all so stressful isn't it, but it will be worth it xx

 

[Peony1]

I’m due to get my immunisation on cycle day 19 which is just after this months fertile week so hopefully I’ll be able to change it for the beginning of my cycle next month, then I can carry on trying this month as normal. Trouble is my periods have been ranging from 26 days to 34 in the last couple of months (which is odd for me, I’m usually around about 28 days),so it’ll be difficult to predict when af is due.
Generally speaking I’ve found the process ok... i do feel frustrated that nobody has thought to mention this jab up until now, but I know the docs are under a lot of time pressure. I’ve seen different doctors along the way, but all have been nice and approachable. I first saw the docs late September, so I’ve been happy at the speed of it all. None of the tests so far have been too bad...although can’t say I enjoyed the ultrasound scan, having to hold my bladder!!!
Yes, so stressful and then they tell you to be calm and it’ll happen it is reassuring that all the tests so far have come back with good results at least. The worst bit for me is seeing af arrive every month.... I dread that time now!
Hopefully in that 12 week wait, you’ll get your BFP! Fingers crossed for you xx

 

[Elven]

What an annoying situation to be in, how frustrating that they didn't tell you anything beforehand. I can't imagine what it must be like to wait a further 2 months after already having 14 months behind you! Fingers crossed you will be able to shorten the 2 month wait, keep us updated please.

 

[MoominGirl]

Just wanted to pop by and say hello

I've not had any experience with the rubella vaccine. As I'm a nurse, I've had my immunisation status checked more times than I can count haha!

We're also TTC #1 and going through the referral process. It has been slow and painful at times to be honest. I think my best advice from my experience so far is don't be afraid to ask questions and keep on top of them. This is our 2nd referral to a fertility clinic as we had major issues with the first one but I feel so much more prepared than I did a year ago so that's got to be a good thing!!

Peony - I hope you can get some answers about timing of injections and wont have to stop TTC for too long.

Good luck with your journeys.

 

[Peony1]

Hi MoominGirl....this might be a silly question but I had a cold (and then a temperature later that evening) when I had my blood taken for the rubella status... do you know if this could have affected the results in any way?!
Thanks for the advice... I’m definitely learning that it is better to keep annoying them with questions rather than spending hours asking google!!
In my head I’m not stopping trying this month and will delay the injection until it suits the. timing of my cycle better but I’ll have to wait and see until I speak to them on Tuesday. I’ll keep you updated x

 

[MoominGirl]

I would definitely time having the injection so it fits as well as it can with your cycle. I did the same with swabs and smear etc. I don't really know that much about rubella status so I don't know if anything can affect it so I would check with them when you go.

I'm definitely more assertive as I find the ones who get are the ones who shout the loudest. OH has also been learning. He always been happy to go with the flow but even he's been reading about things and asking questions.

 

[Star128]

Thanks for the advice moomingirl, I'm sorry to hear you've had a difficult referral process in the past, I hope this one goes smoothly for you. I think you're right about asking questions and keeping on top of things, I'm not usually like that but in this case I will be!! What stage are you at in your referral process? Good luck with everything xx

Peony, I hope you can get your immunisation rescheduled to suit you. I can relate to the unpredictable cycles, before ttc mine were always 28 days, now they vary by +/- 2 days �� I didn't get an ultrasound as part of my tests, just the bloods then referral. I guess it's kdifferent depending on where you live... I hope I get confirmation that I'm on the waiting list soon, that will put my mind at ease a bit! Keep me posted and good luck talking to the doctor tomorrow xx

 

[Peony1]

Hi everyone,

The doctor called me first thing this morning and said there was a cancellation today so I was able to get it done today and out of the way before my fertile week and only miss one month of ttc. However when I saw the nurse, (who was lovely which helped!) she told me that actually I need two mmr jabs, one month apart... so one today and one in 4 weeks time, so that means I have to have two months of not trying for a baby! Really gutted but there’s nothing I can do about it if I want to get the referral. Trying to look on the positive side and know that at least when I’m pregnant I know I’ll be immune - well hopefully - she said it’s not guaranteed and I’ll need a blood test after the two jabs to make sure it’s worked. I’ll be fuming if it doesn’t work lol
I just keep thinking what if dec or jan was going to be our month?! I know we’ll never know but it’s just rubbish that we can’t try for two months. I’ve already put a countdown on my phone until when we can start trying again (Valentine’s Day!!!).
I also just wish I’d known I wasn’t immune before we started trying. I read about it on the nhs page but thought I’d be fine as I’d had all the jabs when I was young! xx

 

[Star128]

Hi Peony, oh no!! How frustrating and upsetting for you!!! They never mentioned a 2nd immunisation to me, I wonder if I need that done too? The thing is you probably have had all the jabs as a child but if they don't have a record it doesn't count roll on Valentines day!! It's so strange not ttc when you've been trying for so long isn't it. I should probably check with the doctors if I'm due a follow up mmr, last thing I want is something like that delaying my referral. What a roller coaster day for you, hope you are ok xxxxx

 

[Peony1]

Thank you, yeah I’m surprisingly ok-ish! I obviously feel quite down and did have a good cry on the phone to my mum earlier but every time I feel sorry for myself I just keep trying to appreciate what I have got in my life! Plus, there are far worse things in life than having to wait 2 months ttc. But still, it is rubbish and I do want to have a tantrum and scream that it’s not fair every time I think about it lol
Yes defo worth speaking to your nurse to check, but as your results were positive in the first place, maybe yours was just a top-up? Whereas I’m assuming I was not immune at all so needed both jabs.

 

[MoominGirl]

Thanks for the advice moomingirl, I'm sorry to hear you've had a difficult referral process in the past, I hope this one goes smoothly for you. I think you're right about asking questions and keeping on top of things, I'm not usually like that but in this case I will be!! What stage are you at in your referral process? Good luck with everything xx

Peony, I hope you can get your immunisation rescheduled to suit you. I can relate to the unpredictable cycles, before ttc mine were always 28 days, now they vary by +/- 2 days �� I didn't get an ultrasound as part of my tests, just the bloods then referral. I guess it's kdifferent depending on where you live... I hope I get confirmation that I'm on the waiting list soon, that will put my mind at ease a bit! Keep me posted and good luck talking to the doctor tomorrow xx

I was never one to make a fuss but that has totally changed haha!!

Before our first referral I had all the usual hormone bloods (normal) and ultrasound (endometrial polyp confirmed on repeat scan). He had sperm analysis (low motility) then a repeat sperm analysis (also low motility). We were referred to fertility and I was referred separately to gynaecology.

Our experience at the fertility clinic was horrendous. We were basically told our chances were hopeless and the doctor almost made me feel bullied into having IVF and point blank refused any other testing whatsoever. It really was my worst ever experience with a doctor. Gynaecology was much better. The consultant was more than happy for me to have an HSG (normal). I had the polyp removed under general anaesthetic and a hysteroscopy at the same time (normal). As I explained to the gynaecologist, I'm happy to consider IVF but I want to feel like we've exhausted all other options first. Shame the fertility doctor seemed unable to let me finish a sentence as we will never go back to that clinic.

We are now going through the process of being referred again as we're still no further forward after having all of the above. I've had to have all the bloods done again (still normal) and OH has had a further 2 sperm samples which have both been normal. Once we finally get seen at the new clinic (February), I have no expectation other than to be referred for IVF as I really don't think there's anything else they can offer us.

It's been a long process but we're hanging in there!

 

[MoominGirl]

Hi everyone,

The doctor called me first thing this morning and said there was a cancellation today so I was able to get it done today and out of the way before my fertile week and only miss one month of ttc. However when I saw the nurse, (who was lovely which helped!) she told me that actually I need two mmr jabs, one month apart... so one today and one in 4 weeks time, so that means I have to have two months of not trying for a baby! Really gutted but there’s nothing I can do about it if I want to get the referral. Trying to look on the positive side and know that at least when I’m pregnant I know I’ll be immune - well hopefully - she said it’s not guaranteed and I’ll need a blood test after the two jabs to make sure it’s worked. I’ll be fuming if it doesn’t work lol
I just keep thinking what if dec or jan was going to be our month?! I know we’ll never know but it’s just rubbish that we can’t try for two months. I’ve already put a countdown on my phone until when we can start trying again (Valentine’s Day!!!).
I also just wish I’d known I wasn’t immune before we started trying. I read about it on the nhs page but thought I’d be fine as I’d had all the jabs when I was young! xx

Peony, I'm sorry they sprung that on you It's so hard not to TTC when you've been trying for so long but like you say, needs must if you want that referral. Maybe arrange some nice things to look forward to over the next few weeks to help the time pass quicker?

 

[Peony1]

Thanks MoominGirl, so sorry to hear you’re having such a bad time of it too xx it just shouldn’t be this difficult!! I bet you’re glad you’ve looked into things before seeing that first clinic as so many people would just accept what they’re told.
Thankfully Christmas will keep me distracted this month, but I will definitely have to find something in January to keep my mind off it. I always find January a bit rubbish as it is, without this!
I’ve got some time off over Xmas so I’ve decided I’m going to look into a new well balanced diet - mine isn’t too bad and my bmi is fine but I just feel I want to do anything I can that might make conceiving easier!! Also, I’ve always just tried to dtd every other day, so I’m going to look into ovulation kits as I’ve never used them before - might give me peace of mind that I’m not missing the best day.
Thanks for the support everyone, this really has helped sharing it with other people who can understand xx

 

[MoominGirl]

I agree that the system just seems to make things needlessly difficult. I try not to get stressed out about things I can't change but lately it has just felt relentless. Hopefully I won't need to chase anything for a while.

I have made a few diet changes just to try and keep things balanced. I'm very petite so weight loss is not the aim but I've just been trying to eat more fruit and veg, cook from scratch, less dairy and red meat, more fish. That sort of thing. We have been enjoying the meals more but still just need to fine tune the routine a bit so we don't fall back into old habits just because we're lazy!!

I use OPKs. Just the cheap ones. I don't temp cos I was hopeless at it!! We always start dtd before the positive OPK but I find that doing them I have a better idea of when I'll ovulate and when my period will come. Just helps me feel more prepared.

 

[Star128]

Thank you, yeah I’m surprisingly ok-ish! I obviously feel quite down and did have a good cry on the phone to my mum earlier but every time I feel sorry for myself I just keep trying to appreciate what I have got in my life! Plus, there are far worse things in life than having to wait 2 months ttc. But still, it is rubbish and I do want to have a tantrum and scream that it’s not fair every time I think about it lol
Yes defo worth speaking to your nurse to check, but as your results were positive in the first place, maybe yours was just a top-up? Whereas I’m assuming I was not immune at all so needed both jabs.

Glad you're feeling OK about it all! It's good that you've got your mum to talk to about it, I've not told many people that we're trying so I don't talk about it much... I just constantly think about it!!! I'm hoping you're right about the immunisation and i don't need a 2nd one, i think I'll contact the fertility clinic in a couple of weeks to make sure they have my referral and everything they need. I hope these 2 months go quickly for you

 

[Star128]

Thanks for the advice moomingirl, I'm sorry to hear you've had a difficult referral process in the past, I hope this one goes smoothly for you. I think you're right about asking questions and keeping on top of things, I'm not usually like that but in this case I will be!! What stage are you at in your referral process? Good luck with everything xx

Peony, I hope you can get your immunisation rescheduled to suit you. I can relate to the unpredictable cycles, before ttc mine were always 28 days, now they vary by +/- 2 days �� I didn't get an ultrasound as part of my tests, just the bloods then referral. I guess it's kdifferent depending on where you live... I hope I get confirmation that I'm on the waiting list soon, that will put my mind at ease a bit! Keep me posted and good luck talking to the doctor tomorrow xx

I was never one to make a fuss but that has totally changed haha!!

Before our first referral I had all the usual hormone bloods (normal) and ultrasound (endometrial polyp confirmed on repeat scan). He had sperm analysis (low motility) then a repeat sperm analysis (also low motility). We were referred to fertility and I was referred separately to gynaecology.

Our experience at the fertility clinic was horrendous. We were basically told our chances were hopeless and the doctor almost made me feel bullied into having IVF and point blank refused any other testing whatsoever. It really was my worst ever experience with a doctor. Gynaecology was much better. The consultant was more than happy for me to have an HSG (normal). I had the polyp removed under general anaesthetic and a hysteroscopy at the same time (normal). As I explained to the gynaecologist, I'm happy to consider IVF but I want to feel like we've exhausted all other options first. Shame the fertility doctor seemed unable to let me finish a sentence as we will never go back to that clinic.

We are now going through the process of being referred again as we're still no further forward after having all of the above. I've had to have all the bloods done again (still normal) and OH has had a further 2 sperm samples which have both been normal. Once we finally get seen at the new clinic (February), I have no expectation other than to be referred for IVF as I really don't think there's anything else they can offer us.

It's been a long process but we're hanging in there!

Wow, you've been through a lot. I'm so sorry you had that awful experience. It's amazing the impact that one person can have, that doctor at the fertility clinic sounds horrendous. I just don't understand how a medical professional can lack compassion and respect for their patient like that, luckily most of them are great! Fingers crossed the new clinic will be a completely different experience for you. Hearing your experience makes me anxious but prepared for what may lie ahead. When you start ttc you never imagine your journey will be such a roller coaster, like you I'm almost accepting that ivf is what will be offered so I'm trying to psychologically prepare myself for that. Thank you for sharing your experience xx

 

[Star128]

Oh and I do cheap OPKs to keep track too, but i do worry we're not always getting the timing right. I think dtd every other day is the best way to cover it. I tried temping but it was too stressful and I wasn't seeing a "normal" pattern so that just stressed me out more haha I've tried to cut down on caffeine and I take vitamins xx