Completely Shocked by the speed ...

[Emerald-Sarah]

So girls .. some of you will know that I am more of a lurker than a poster (I always struggle putting my feelings into words)

W after a grand total of 65 cycles, too many to mention tests and operations, 4 unsuccessful rounds of Clomid and a diet that has seen me decrease my BMI by 11 points to 25. I telephoned the ACU, to see if I could arrange an appointment to talk to my consultant as its been so long since I saw him and I wanted to ask him some questions, I was told he would call me back.

I was then surprised to receive a call back from the ACU manager 20 minutes later advising me that as I had been on the list for IVF for some time (had to loose weight before treatment) and my PCT has just released a small amount of funds they want me to go in for pre treatment meetings next week !!!!!

WTF !! This is the NHS surely they dont work this quickly !!! Im now in a complete tizz, and I was hoping somebody out there may know what happens in these pre treatment meetings ? What questions to ask ? and how long until treatment takes place after these initial meeings ?

Im sorry for all the questions girls .. but I really am starting to flap. It seems so surreal that after 5 and half years we may be close to getting our dream.

Sarah xx

 

[Jan34]

I don't have any advice to pass on but would just like to say good luck to you. I'll bet you're glad you made that call!

 

[rachelle1975]

Hey there!

Big congrats on having a pre-treatment meeting! yay!!!

My info is only 2nd hand - a friend started her treatment this month from another forum BUT... after she had her bloods done (HIV etc.) then her pre treatment meeting involved her being weighed, discussion regarding the treatment - how they would down reg long/short protocol etc. and they went through each stage. they discussed her taking BCP, what happens after that - when she starts sniffing/taking injections and they discussed EC and ET.

One thing she did say is that after the consultation - she got takes for everything - collection, transfer - the whole thing!

Quite a few girls are going through IVF at present and might be able to give you a more detailed response but good luck! xx

 

[latestarter]

Hi Sarah,

I'm in Canada, so I imagine things are a little bit different. IVF is not covered by our health care system, so I'm also going to a private clinic. But I just had my IVF orientation on Thursday of last week. I had been going to the same clinic since last year, doing unmedicated IUI's (I'm single, so using a sperm donor) so the clinic already had the results from my bloodwork, HSG etc. So I did not have to do any of those tests again.

The orientation started with an internal ultrasound, where they counted the number of follicles I had on cycle day 2. Then my doctor looked at those results, and my prior history and decided on the IVF protocol for me. The rest of the orientation was with one of the nurses. She explained the protocol, proceedure, the medications. I got a lesson on how to give myself injections. I had to sign consents and waivers - regarding what I would do with frozen embryo's if I didn't need them. I paid my money. Lots of money. Still not quite over that.

I was there just over 2 hours. It was overwhelming - especially when they said I could start my injections the next day. (This is unusual - but I'm on a short protocol that involves no birth control pills - my orientation just happened to fall on the right day). But I decided to start this cycle, and take it one day at a time.

I also had two appointments with my RE BEFORE my orientation when we were deciding on whether to move ahead with IVF. So I had that time as well.

I'm sure things will be different for you. It seems every clinic has a slightly different method of getting you started. Good Luck!!

At my clinic they provide all of the medication, so I went home with a load of syringes, and drugs,

 

[CareBear]

Just wanted to say Good Luck!

 

[Helen_26]

That's great hun. Don't have any advice, but wanted to wish you all the luck in the world.

 

[Omi]

Ditto, good luck, hun!!