Seeing a doctor today.

[missk1989]

In December 2011 we were told that we would never be able to conceive due to DH having low sperm count AND bad mobility. In January 2012 we got our BFP and had DS in the October. I then had a coil fitted which I took out last August. We have had a stressful year and I am driving myself crazy now thinking about babies. I have picked out the pram I want and keep watching one born every minute. I am an emotional wreck!
Because we have a child we are not eligible for IVF on NHS and we cannot afford it privately. Today we are seeing a doctor to find out what help we can get and I am so worried that we will be told they cannot help us.
Does anyone know of a treatment we could request or suggest?

 

[missk1989]

Well the doctor didn't give us much hope. He said that any treatment we had we would have to pay for and he gave us the name of the clinic local to us. He has referred DH for a sperm analysis but that was all he could do. He also said that considering we know we have issues a year is not long to be trying. It really feels like it!

 

[babyjan]

Hey missk

I'm sorry the Dr wasn't much help I've been to my drs twice about my struggle but each time she told me not to worry! I have a 3 year old son conceived very quickly that's why I'm really concerned.

Like you I think about babies and pregnancy all day! Everywhere I go I'm reminded somehow

 

[Srbjbex]

Hi missk

Sorry to hear your struggles. Secondary Infertility is awful and I find you get 2 reactions from people that don't really understand (docs included)

1. You've conceived before so I don't see why you wont be able to conceive again

2. At least you have a child, that's something to be grateful for.

Well, yes thankyou! But the pain of infertility is felt just as strongly thank you!

We are currently under the care of a private fertility centre as as you say no NHS funding for second babies. What I would say is that it has been worth it. We thought we were dealing with a sperm issue (and had got the money together to pay for IVF with ICSI privately) but pre-IVF investigations at the clinic has shown that my EMCS with DS1 has caused significant damage which has meant that I cant conceive or even have IVF as it stands (no way to get the embryos back in!). So I'm looking at surgery to fix me up before we can even think about ivf

Anyway - my point to that is that have whatever investigations you can, either NHS or private. Private clinics do investigation work too and its not too unreasonable in cost. I have found the knowledge makes it a whole load more bearable, and the answers can hopefully mean you know what you are trying to fix.

The private clinic I am at (BMI) did an open evening. We went along to that and as part of it got a free one-on-one consultation with a consultant for about 20 mins. That would be worth a visit if nothing else.

 

[babyjan]

Srb, i been thinking about going private for testing if my GP won't refer me for any. How much does it cost roughly? I live in London if that helps

I told OH that we should probably start saving for IVF

I'm not expecting the nhs to fund IVF but surely they can send us for testing? I been trying since 2013 with two early losses and I'm sure something is not right. I even wonder if I may have progesterone issues.

 

[Srbjbex]

I think OHs SA was about 130...i had progesterone tested on the nhs (surprised they wont do yours ) but I'm guessing it would be similar. My AMH i had privately and that was 120 i think.

For IVF /ICSI we were told to budget £5k...varies depending on what drug package you are prescribed.

The clinic have been super friendly. ..you become a customer so dont be afraid to just give them a call to inquire. Everyone i have spoken to has been lovely.

 

[unikitty]

If I were in your position I would speak to your gp and ask to see another doctor - you CAN get help if you're trying for a second baby just not IVF/Injections/IUI.

We're trying for our second and have been under an NHS fertility specialist for 2 years and I've had scans and blood tests, 6 rounds of clomid and 4 rounds of tamoxifen, I've recently had ovarian drilling and will be starting clomid again if it doesn't work alone - all under NHS care.

 

[missk1989]

If I were in your position I would speak to your gp and ask to see another doctor - you CAN get help if you're trying for a second baby just not IVF/Injections/IUI.

We're trying for our second and have been under an NHS fertility specialist for 2 years and I've had scans and blood tests, 6 rounds of clomid and 4 rounds of tamoxifen, I've recently had ovarian drilling and will be starting clomid again if it doesn't work alone - all under NHS care.

This is what I was hoping for but he has just referred us for semen analysis. He was the practice owner so unless we move doctors I do not see us getting any help. Where abouts in the uk are you because it doe vary between counties?

 

[unikitty]

If I were in your position I would speak to your gp and ask to see another doctor - you CAN get help if you're trying for a second baby just not IVF/Injections/IUI.

We're trying for our second and have been under an NHS fertility specialist for 2 years and I've had scans and blood tests, 6 rounds of clomid and 4 rounds of tamoxifen, I've recently had ovarian drilling and will be starting clomid again if it doesn't work alone - all under NHS care.

This is what I was hoping for but he has just referred us for semen analysis. He was the practice owner so unless we move doctors I do not see us getting any help. Where abouts in the uk are you because it doe vary between counties?

I'm in Bath. They should carry out further testing after the semen analysis, you're entitled to care. It does vary but only in a small way, you are still entitled to treatment from them.