I'm very active on another forum, I just appear to be the only person from Northern Ireland on it .

I'm approaching the 2 year TTC mark and finally bit the bullet and went to the GP to admit my failures... and basically cry.

DH was given a referral for a SA, a cup and was told to provide a sample and take it to the Regional Fert. Centre at the Royal. That sounded a bit iffy and after calling the clinic (and being told off by someone who obviously doesn't need anymore coffee) were told to post them the referral. they said it would take 3-4 weeks to get an appointment but I have a feeling i've just posted the form to a dead end.

GP sent me for bloods which all came back "fine" but for a "slightly raised" prolactin level. GP has now referred me to the Ulster hospital for ???.

SO, does this sum up the general situation in NI? Anything I should know or do?

Basically, at this point this is what I want to happen (LOL)
I want to get a hsg done, will ulster do that?
I want to know what's going on RE me prolactin.
I want DH to get his SA.

Any idea on how long I can expect for these things to happen? Or should I sell the house and go knocking on Origins door? (I've heard they're also a bit shite, so not sure I want to pay for the pleasure)

hi, i went to origin, i found them very backward and they were unable to deal adequately with my severe pcos probs and were no help at all with my immune issues but i did hear they are quite successful with new clients who have no huge issues . good luck rosebud

Thanks hun.
Will be open to using Origin but I have no idea what my/our "issues" are as our only symptom is not being pregnant after 2 years of trying.

Hi,

It is a bit of a nightmare and everything moves very slowly. I was referred to Craigavon last Aug after a year ttc, got an appt in Dec. Once there I had a transvaginal scan, (yuk)n internal swabs etc and blood tests, and told to get another blood test done at my gp on day 2 of my next period (which could be anytime with my irregular cycles). Consultant gave me wee pouch for my gp to put the sample in so results would go straight back to her. I also got a cup and form for DH, he had to ring the labs at Craigavon, for appt, do his thing at home within an hour of the appt time and bring it in. I don't know why you had to post in a referral? Maybe we didn't cos ours came from the consultant?? Anyhow, we didn't hear a thing until March, (despite me torturing them on the fone) and even then it was all very vague, I too have slightly raised prolactin and DH SA was 'abnormal' no idea in what way?? Waited 3 months to be told to repeat all the tests!! Was v annoyed about it all! Anyway, we have repeated the testa and have another appt this week so I'm really hoping we get some answers at that. We will seriously think about going private if we can afford it, all the waiting and getting no answers is really stressful and makes it all worse. They also found cysts on my ovaries indicating pcos but no def diagnosis. I find it all pretty frustrating to be honest. I guess our next step will depend on what happens this week, it may be rvh if SA still not good.

Gosh this post has been so long, I'm sorry, I just wanted to give u an idea of what to expect in NI and my experience. I wish someone had told me how long this would have taken last Aug, I maybe would have forked out for an initial consultanta appt to at least get seen sooner.

I wish you the best of luck and if I find out anything about what this prolactin thing means I'll post xx

From what I understand, raised prolactin is a problem because it can stop you ovulating.

Thanks for the heads up on the snail pace I can expect.

I too have no idea why The Royal told me to post them the referral when the GP told us to do the sample at home and then take it in, with the form.

Will be pestering them this week to find out why we haven't heard back from them since the form was posted, I'm guessing because no one received it.