Anyone in Essex having fertility help?

[NikiJJones]

Hi, I gather that all NHS trusts have different policies about fertility help, and I'm wondering what I can expect from mine.
I live in Essex and am under the Princess Alexandra Trust. I've been referred for investigations so far, and have seen a Gyny. I'm due a Lap and Dye in 2 weeks, and have had bloods done.
Is there anyone else under this trust? Can you get IVF etc on the NHS here, and how many goes do you get on NHS? What other treatments might they offer me before IVF?

 

[maz]

Hi hun

I'm in NI so don't know about your hospital. I guess the treatment you'll receive will be individual to you. You may take clomid before going for IVF, or you might be told to go for IVF straight away. In NI we are only given 1 NHS cycle of IVF even though the NICE guidlelines state 3 cycles should be given. It's all to do with money - as per usual.

Sorry I'm not much help for your area. I'm sure one of the other girls here will be from your area, and know the answer a bit better.

Good luck for your lap&dye

 

[Tory123]

Hi I live in Essex. I have been told by the FS that I can have three rounds of IVF if needed and everything else in between on the NHS. They said this is due to some factors but mainly my age 34, not sure about waiting times etc.

I hope you don't need any other treatment but I would ask the FS for information.

 

[pixielou]

Hi Nikki,

as you know I live in essex too and will be having lap op at PAH hospital also in a month. I'm under Queens hospital which is in in Romford and that is under Redbridge PCT, cos I asked for a second opinion they have given me a choice of other hospitals and I chose PAH. Now after they do investigation etc I'm not 100% if I will be under Redbridge PCT or Harlow now. I know that Redbridge give 3 IUI ( done at Queens)and 3 or 4 IVF(done at a London clinic). Princess Alexandra refer their patients(if they live in that PCT area) to I think Herts and Essex and or another clinic in London, The Bridge or Holly house not 100%. When you have your op ask Dr Degraaf as he told me about this. I think they offer the same amount I believe but he will know for sure.

Hope everything goes well for you hun!

 

[Tory123]

Hi pixielou

I am in Romford and under Queens but will be interested to hear if you get a better treatment under a different hospital. The lengths we have to go too!

 

[Trying4ever]

Hi pixie,

So are you under PAH or Queens? I have just been referred to infertility clinic and I think it will be at Queens. What test do they do once you get referred? Can you be started on clomid at your first appointment? Do they book USS to make sure you dont overstimulate? Did you find that PAH is quicker?

I know a friend from work had IVF at PAH and it seemed like they did the tests really quickly....she had her tests in may/june was on clomid for 3 cycles, got married in August and is 3 months pregnant after her first IVF now.

 

[NikiJJones]

Wow! That all sounds really fast what happened to your friend Trying4ever! I do hope the rest of us can get sorted that quickly.
Do you know if you have to have a recognised problem to get IVF, or will they just do it if you have unexplained infertility?

 

[pixielou]

Hi pixielou

I am in Romford and under Queens but will be interested to hear if you get a better treatment under a different hospital. The lengths we have to go too!

Hi Tory,

basically I've had all the relavant tests there etc and clomid for 6 months and the consultant there, you may know him, wants to get me onto IUI. I have asked for referal as I want to know if there are any underlying problems.

So far PAH has been good, went to see the consultant and he said he would give me the op to further investigate. I mean everyones different and at different stages. I just felt like I was being tested enough b4 being put on IUI. I know that it is fantastic etc getting these treatments on NHS but I just want to find out what is going on. Queens have told me that I have unexplained infertility and so if the op finds nothing then I will continue etc. I have not told them at Queens that I'm having investigations elsewhere though!

You may find that Queens is right for you, I mean it has for me up till now, the nurses are lovely etc but I just need more info for me cos I havn't been told enough.

Will let you know how it all goes.

PS I'm about 10 mins from Romford
X

 

[pixielou]

Hi pixie,

So are you under PAH or Queens? I have just been referred to infertility clinic and I think it will be at Queens. What test do they do once you get referred? Can you be started on clomid at your first appointment? Do they book USS to make sure you dont overstimulate? Did you find that PAH is quicker?

I know a friend from work had IVF at PAH and it seemed like they did the tests really quickly....she had her tests in may/june was on clomid for 3 cycles, got married in August and is 3 months pregnant after her first IVF now.

Hi Trying,

basically I went to my drs and they refered me to Queens cos thats my nearest hospital. I have been there for about a year now and had all the tests but just wanted a second opinion. PAH has been quick but Queens is pretty good too.

Are you based near Romford or near PAH?

I'm ten mins from Romford
X

 

[Trying4ever]

I'm nearer to Queens but I work further out so I know alot of people who go to PAH. How could I get referred to PAH? Do I go to my GP?

 

[Tory123]

Hi Pixielou and trying4ever seems like we all live near each other. Hopefully are paths will cross once again when we are all carrying our bumps. I have un explained fertlity and on the 4th round of clomid. I think my next stage is IUI, I have got my next appointment on the 3rd december. We can keep each other posted xxx

 

[Trying4ever]

Yeah that would be nice. I can feel it will be soon for all of us LTTTC hopefully. I think they said they would refer me to dr Sathanandan or something like that at Queens....do you know if he is good? I haven't had my appointment letter yet. Who are you guys under?

 

[Tory123]

Hi Trying4ever

I am under dr sathandan as well. I did get offered clomid after I had all the blood test and the dye that sees if your tubes are clear. I am seeing him again in December so will keep you posted on what he recommends the next stage as I think you will only be 5 months behind me. Hopefully we all won't need it!

 

[Trying4ever]

Oooh kool. Tory can I ask you what happened at your first appointment? Did he just send you for tests? What blood tests were they...cd2 and cd21? Did you have an USS and how long after was your HSG booked for? Did your DH have to have a SA? When was your follow up appointment with him? I thought you could only have 3 cycles of clomid or do you have a choice? It seems so laborious all this step wise thing. So is IUI the step before IVF? Sorry about all these questions!

 

[Tory123]

Oooh kool. Tory can I ask you what happened at your first appointment? Did he just send you for tests? What blood tests were they...cd2 and cd21? Did you have an USS and how long after was your HSG booked for? Did your DH have to have a SA? When was your follow up appointment with him? I thought you could only have 3 cycles of clomid or do you have a choice? It seems so laborious all this step wise thing. So is IUI the step before IVF? Sorry about all these questions!

Hi T4E

Just looked over my diary to check dates, we went to local doctors in October 07 once we had been trying a year. The doctor did DH sperm test, came back abit on the low side. I had cd2 and cd21, Jan 08, result good, then I had HSG on the 19th Feb all ok. Then I saw Dr Sathanadan on 25th April and was offered Clomid at my next period. I decided to wait a couple of months myself before I went on clomid becasue everyone said now your under the doctor it will happen. Well it didn't and in Aug started clomid on round 4 now. I thought it was standard that you get offered 6 months but was not asked. We have been trying for two years! Depending on sperm quality decides if you get offered IUI or ICIS and IVF you could get all three. Hope this has answered some of your questions. I don't know if any other factors come into play when been offered treatment age etc. As I am the ripe old age of 33 I have been told I qualify for all three treatments under NHS. Keep me posted, good luck with your

 

[pixielou]

I'm nearer to Queens but I work further out so I know alot of people who go to PAH. How could I get referred to PAH? Do I go to my GP?

maybe try and see what they say!
X

 

[pixielou]

I'm under Dr Stahanandan, although cos of the referal I havent been to Queens for quite awhile. I miss my monthly day 12 scan, cos I could see that I was ov etc. Also and have six rounds of clomid and soon to do IUI!
X

Will keep you posted ladies

 

[Trying4ever]

lol thats wierd I have met two other Mr Sathanandan people on this site!
Hey Pixielou have you joined our cycle buddies? I think I'm cd13 today.

 

[aflight84]

Nikki, I live in Harlow, i'm under the same PCT same hospital.
They told me IVF was my only option but after sorting hubby out i'm now on clomid.
You can get 1 round of IVF on the NHS if they approve your application you have to have a lot of tests done and have a stronge case for it though and neither of you can have had children before or they hold that against you to. it's a nightmare.
I got clomid upon my 4th visit after much nagging and 18 months ttc without AF fricking nightmare!!!

 

[pixielou]

lol thats wierd I have met two other Mr Sathanandan people on this site!
Hey Pixielou have you joined our cycle buddies? I think I'm cd13 today.

Thanks, I will check that out!