Am I being dramatic - I trust you to tell me!

[kat08]

Hi

For those of you who have read my other posts you may have seen I have been TTC since Jun 08. Now I know this is not long compared to a lot of you however I have only had two full cycles in this time - currently on 3rd cycle and I have been diagnosed with PCOS.

I have been referred to gynaecologist and have been prescribed Metformin - may need to change this due to side effects. I am also due to have tests on tubes and husband is having tests soon.

Not many people know we are TTC but I have told Mum and husband I want to start possibly saving for IVF in case that is a road we need to go down and NHS waiting list is long. Mum and OH were of the same opinion that I shouldn't think so far in the future but I don't want to get to the point where I need IVF and then have to start saving because the NHS wait is so long.

So my qn to you is:- if you are on the road to IVF or have had IVF was it Metformin - Clomid - IUI and then IVF and how long did that process take end to end?

I am not trying to be dramatic just trying to be prepared!!

 

[vineyard]

I am currently on the road to IVF. Started protocol last week. I've had 2 failed IUIs. Not exactly sure what your question is but wanted to chime in.

I would love to answer any questions that you have, though.

Good luck!!!

 

[maz]

I've had IVF but my problem is unexplained, which means I didn't need metformin. I was prescribed clomid by one consultant and then another took me off it as i ovulate every month.

I have a friend who is poly cystic, and she has been on metformin, clomid for 6 months, and no luck. She's now waiting to go onto the IVF waiting list. I think the IUI scenario depends a lot on the hospital you go to. The NHS hospital I am waiting for treatment at, doesn't do IUI before IVF as the chances of success are apparently only marginally greater than in a normal unassisted cycle. But that may be different for your area.

I don't think there's anything wrong with being prepared just in case. If your mortgage has come down, why not save the difference for IVF treatment, and if you don't need to pay for treatment, you'll have plenty of money to spend on your new nursery, or clothes, or whatever else you fancy buying for your LO...

Hope that makes sense.

 

[kat08]

Thanks guys sorry if my questions wasn't very clear vineyard. I guess what I was getting at was I have just started on Metformin is the normal process

Metformin - Clomid - IUI - IVF and how long does this journey take? I am wanting to start saving but not sure if I would be referred for IVF in 6 mths, 12 mths, 2 yrs etc.

I know it depends on area but just wanted an indication.

Thanks

Kate

 

[vineyard]

I'm in the US so things differ because of insurance. I went straight to IUI because we have severe male factor infertility. I did 2 medicated IUIs with no luck (Clomid & FSH). The doctor said I could do a 3rd if I wanted but I chose to go to IVF. All doctors here are private so I got in quickly. First FS appointment in October, IUI #1 Novemeber, IUI #2 December, and just started my IVF protocol for a March embryo transfer. So, it has been a FAST rollercoaster!!!

 

[kat08]

Wow sounds fantastic vineyard good luck with your embryo transfer

 

[roobie74]

Hi Kat. We have been TTC#1 since June 2005. After 18 months we went to our GP who referred us to Liverpool Womens Hospital. We got our first appt in March 2007 and had to have semen analysis and day 21 blood tests. We went back for the results in July 2007 and they confirmed I was not ovulating properly. I was given 3 months of Clomid and an appt for September if they did not work. We went back in September and I was given another 6 months of clomid. We went back to hospital in February as I did not get pg. I was told to lose 3 stone before I could go on IVF list. They wanted me back at the hosp in the July however I got myself into a bit of a state and ended up with depression. I went to see my GP who prescribed me with anti depressants and helped me devise a healthy eating plan. We decided to postpone our hosp appt. I got over that bout of depression and lost 4 stone and we went to hosp on 23rd December. We went on IVF list 31st December and we have our first appt next Wedneday. So if you take the 5 months out that we postponed for we were under the hospital for about 16 months before we got on the IVF list. If I hadn't been responding to the Clomid I more than likely would have gone on the list before now. I hope this helps you and if you have any other questions I can answer - give me a shout xx

 

[FJL]

I'm in Australia so things are a bit different.

We jumped straight to IVF/ICSI after almost 2yrs TTC due to severe male factor.

We saw our first FS after 1 year TTC but tests and road blocks etc we had to wait close to another year before being able to start. There is no such thing over here as wait lists!

Once all your testing has done and FS has given you the go ahead for IVF, you start.

 

[FJL]

Oh and I just wanted to add that I don't think you're being dramatic. Some people seem to have the patient gene of 'we'll wait and see' but others like me are way too keen to have a plan! I think saving is a good idea because even if you don't need IVF, you will have lots of spare $$$ for some lovely baby things

 

[Omi]

I have friends who have had 2 mc's on ivf and another 'no take' in between. Where we are you get 3 free tries on the NHS and we know they're gonna go private after this.

I think you're being very sensible as if you dont need the IVF you can always use the money fot the baby. Its win, win the way i look at it!

 

[kat08]

Thanks guys lots of great advice!!!