Recommendations needed for ISCI Clinic in Surrey/London

[Springflower]

Hi Ladies

I'm hoping for some much needed advice. OH and I have been told that we have to go down the ICSI route. We have to do it privately as you only get one go in our area and the waiting list is very long.

I need to start looking for a private clinic, but dont know where to start - so much to consider, cost success rates etc.

Is anyone able to recommend a clinic or able to tell me what else I need to consider when choosing one?

Any help will be gratefully recieved!

 

[Springflower]

I've been looking into the London Women's Clinic, if anyone has heard of the clinic good or bad it would be great to hear some feedback.

 

[DillyC]

Hey Springflower...I used to work at the LWC!!! But I have to say it was a while ago! Great clinic, although Drs have changed since I was there, am sure is still as good tho....also Create in Wimbledon good, Dr Nargund good FS specialist. Bridge Centre has good rep as does Lister.... Where in Surrey are you??? I'm just in...Surbiton, and on waiting list for treatment at Queen Marys in Roehampton xx Good luck with wherever you choose, i would recommend going along to the open evenings all the clinics have if you have time as it will give you a good feel, or if better for you arrange to pop into each clinic and ask to be shown around, you will need to book it, but all clinics open to this x

 

[DillyC]

Also just check HFEA website for success rates...you prob already have!

 

[Springflower]

Thanks for the info Dilly. I'm starting to feel a bit more positive now. It was just a horrible shock to be told the swimmers hadn't improved. OH had been doing everything thats recommended!

How funny you used to work there! I'm interested as they offer egg sharing, so I could share my eggs and have ICSI at the much reduced price. In theory I like the idea of helping myself and someone at the same time, although obviously need to think about that option some more. They also seem to have a great success rate.

I had a look at Create but see they haven't be opened that long and the success rate isnt as good some of the others.

Yes I've discovered the HFEA website, it's very helpful and has been a great starting point.

How long is the waiting list at Roehampton?
xxx

 

[DillyC]

oh they say 10 months but we shall see....seems ages!

I know what you mean about Create but the Doctors that run it used to belong to another clinic adjoined to the LWC, and have a lot of experience...

LWC great and have a great egg sharing programme, it has been running for a long time now, so set up well. It is a great option, you do have to have counselling before sharing to ensure it is the right decision for you, I would def take that route if i was younger but at 36 they don't want my old eggs!!!! I think going through this gives you a better understanding of how much it would mean to someone else...

I really say go with your gut feeling re clinics and see how you feel, which clinic in surrey are you on the waiting list for? How long is the wait....?? If you pester your PCT you can push for them to transfer your NHS funding, its not easy, but it can be done x

 

[Springflower]

I offically hate the waiting, I'm sure it's sending me nuts!

We aren't due to see the FS again until August (!!!), so are until able to get anything moving on the NHS side until then. Crazy huh! I shall keep phoning up for cancellations. Once we get on the waiting list, I heard it's a 3 yr wait, but that can't be right surely!. Also on the NHS in our area we only get one attempt for free. Where at St Helier under Sutton and Merton. What's Roehampton like in that respect?

I like your suggestion re visintg the clinics, I hadn't realsied that was possible. I'm not really comfortable paying £300 for an inital consultation and then deciding I don't like the Dr.

 

[DillyC]

I KNOW...

The waiting drives me crazy!!!!

Oh thats interesting...the urologist we saw last week works at St Heliers and was telling us the waiting list is at least 2 years there, he is the one who suggested requesting funding transfer from the PCT... but 10m max wait is no where near as bad, how can they expect people to wait 2-3 years...its crazy and just by living 10 miles away could make a huge difference...i get frustrated by the inconsistencies of treatment from PCT to PCT. We also only get one treatment, apparently we are linked to the bridge centre who do the ICSI. Only thing i don't like so far is it seems to be very protocol driven rather than individual...but will wait till we see the FS next wed until we make any decisions re private treatments.

Oh def all clinics are open to visits etc.. let me know how you get on xxx

 

[Springflower]

Hey Dilly

How funny he was from St Helier. We saw Dr Gordon, is that the same guy? St Helier is also linked to the Bridge Centre, I understand that you can get the treatment there at cost (and also for us King's College). I have a nose around the Bridge website, but it wasn't doing it for me. (Not quite sure what i was expecting!)

If you do decided to go private you need to make sure you have all the test results to take with you to an appointment, I've requested ours today. I don't expect then to arrive for a while so thought it was worth requesting them asap!

I really belive that everywhere should have the same NHS fertility deal. It doesn't seem far that it's different. The good people of Sutton decided assisted fertility wasn't a priority so it doesn't get much funding. I suppose when I think about it like a normal sane person, I would agree that "life saving" treatment is more important!

Thats great that your FS is finally here! You must be pleased.

xxx

 

[DragonMummy]

I don't know from personal experience but others I have spoken to locally have highly recommended the Nuffield clinic in Woking x

 

[brumbar]

Hi Springflower!
I,ve been on a waiting list in St.Heliers since September 09 but through Wandsworth PCT. When I joined it was 2 years long... Currently going through a self funded mild ICSI cycle at Create.

 

[Springflower]

Hi Springflower!
I,ve been on a waiting list in St.Heliers since September 09 but through Wandsworth PCT. When I joined it was 2 years long... Currently going through a self funded mild ICSI cycle at Create.

Hey Brumber

Wow I see you've started ICSI! and today is your testing day! Lots and lots of luck!!

I've booked an appointment at the London Womens Clinic and will also go on the St Helier waiting list. When we we there last week they said a 2-3yrs wait (WHAT!!) I'd be hoping to be on number 2 by then!

 

[DillyC]

Hey Springflower....

YES we saw the same Dr....Mr Gordon....Really nice guy....did he tell you the story about a couple who came to see him recently, Male factor (4mil) and she did a PT in his clinic and it was +ve....

Sounds like you have come to a good decision, hope it goes well when you visit the LWC...ahhhh i don't suppose anyone i worked with is still there! Let me know how you get on xxx

 

[Springflower]

Hey Springflower....

YES we saw the same Dr....Mr Gordon....Really nice guy....did he tell you the story about a couple who came to see him recently, Male factor (4mil) and she did a PT in his clinic and it was +ve....

Sounds like you have come to a good decision, hope it goes well when you visit the LWC...ahhhh i don't suppose anyone i worked with is still there! Let me know how you get on xxx

Ha ha that's so funny, he told us that story too! By then though I was my tears and OH was in a daze, so wasn't in the mood to hear success stories.

Am just waiting for 1st June now ..... I can't wait to get started. I wonder if anyone you worked with is still there. I shall try to remember some names for you.

Only a couple of days until your FS appointment now, do let me know how you get on.

xxx

 

[DillyC]

I know, great to have some hope....but really how likely is it that it will happen to many people....i did think, c'mon you work in fertility and you know the chances, but i just smiled and said, oh thats nice!

Oh how exciting that you have your first appt booked for June 1st...Hope you like it...haha yes jot all the names down...i can see if anyone is familiar!!! I know Jinan Bekir, who used to be the medical director...she was lovely, but i'm sure she has retired.... it was 10 years ago...oh makes me feel old!!

Yes will let you know how I go on Wednesday, can't quite believe its nearly here, long wait since my GP referral last November!