NHS Funding criteria question - BMI 30 for 6 months

[toch1402]

Hi Ladies,

Thanks in advance for reading and I hope you don't not mind shedding any light or sharing your experiences !

We recently had our first consultation appointment with FS. He confirmed that due to DP having a very, very low sperm count and very poor everything else he is referring us straight for ICSI and said that we were eligible for NHS funding for the first cycle.

We were going to fill in the NHS forms at the appointment but I mentioned that my BMI is 32 and I thought it might cause an issue with funding. He said that we wouldn’t be able to complete the form until my BMI is 30 and to go away and shed some weight but that he would also refer us to the fertility centre and hope that I would have lost the weight before the first appointment where we will fill in the forms.

I have just googled my PCT which is in the Southern Central group and seen their criteria till 2010 which says that I need to have a BMI under 30 for at least 6 months! I recognise why – ensuring that I haven’t starved which could affect egg quality but all I have done is cut out the rubbish I was eating, eaten healthily but sensibly and done some exercise (now have BMI of 31 – two weeks later.)

Also, my BMI was about 30 before we got DP results (I was devastated and ate my feelings and put on a stone in a couple of months).

Has anyone had any experience of the 6 month rule? I recognise that everyone is in a different Primary Care Trust and that funding is being cut left, right and centre, but I haven’t a clue who to speak to about it and if I am honest, slightly scared to ask! I was hoping to do some of the process in the school summer holiday.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you x

 

[mich1]

Hello - I'm in a different area to you and so, you're right, different rules apply but didn't want to read and run. You may find that there's a delay in terms of getting the referral by which point you may have already complied with their criteria anyway. One thing I would say in terms of timing is you can't count on anything and as the rules do change, just keep going with the dieting. You're nearly there already so just keep going!! Good luck!

 

[KristyHart]

Hiya

With the criteria, this does not always count. I was told that as my FSH is over the criteria of 10 that I would not get accepted. However my gyno sent off my forms anyway and I found out yesterday that I have been successful for the funding. My hubby has very very bad results hence the referral anyway

Good luck hun xx

 

[dreamofabean]

I havent had that honey, but i know as others have said that different PCTs have diff rules! When we were referred for ICSI by BMI was 31. The referral was still made but i was told that i needed to get it to 30 before we started treatment. Had our first appointment on Thurs and it is down to 29.1 so we're starting this cycle. I dont understand why it needs to be below 30 for 6 months tbh!x

 

[toch1402]

Hi,

Thanks for your replies!

mich1 - thank you for the encouragement and while I was hoping that the process would happen quickly once the referral is through (I guess because we have our presentation evening at the fertility center in a couple of weeks) you are right to give me a gentle reminder to not count on anything - it probably is the center far ahead of where we are. Thank you

Kirsty - Thank you for your criteria comment and congratulations with the referral being accepted!!!! That is great news! Do you know what happens next - is there a waiting list in your area? Are you having icsi?

Dream of a bean - well done for the weightloss! Wow, starting this cycle - I hope it all goes really well! How are you feeling about it?

Right, I'm off to the gym!!
Thanks again ladies x

 

[africaqueen]

Good luck hun.
We have our 1st consultant appt in 2 days time for IVF with the specialist at the clinic after being referred by our GP. I still have 10lbs to lose to be in the right zone but have lost 46lb so far so im hoping the cons will see that i have tried so hard and allow us to get the consent forms signed at least to get ball rolling to hopefully have tx in June/July.
Il let u knw how it goes xxx

 

[KristyHart]

Hi

No waiting list where I am. Well have to wait for 4 weeks till our consultation but after that we can go straight ahead whenever the day is right to start.

Yes we are having ICSI

xx

 

[dreamofabean]

I am very excited to start but also a bit apprehensive! I think once ive done the first injection i'll be fine but it's quite daunting!x

 

[toch1402]

Hi African Queen, Good Luck with the appointment tomorrow, I hope all goes well - WOW!....Congratulations on the weightloss that is a fantastic loss! I am sure the cons will be impressed at your determination! Yes, do let me know how the appoinment goes. xx

Hi Kirstie - duh on my part with reference to asking you if you were having ICSI - as soon as I sent the last post asking if you were having ICSI I noticed it on the bottom of your post. That is fantastic that there is no waiting list...not long to go to starting positions! Good luck! xx

Hi dreamofabean, it is so exciting but I can imagine that it is also quite nerve wracking. I have read that the injections aren't bad but you are right that once the first is done it will hopefully get easier. Wishing you lots of luck!xx

xx