The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Conceive when its just not happening (12m+)

Runnerduck

hi, good luck to all those on diets, i am just coming to the end of my first week on the slimfast plan, lost 4 pounds so far my BMI is now 29.5, the chocolate bars are nice but the shakes are bit hard going, i feel like i need some proper food with it!

can anyone give me any idea what to expect on our first visit i 2 weeks, we have already had all the tests in the last year, but this is our first visit to the hospital where we will be having the treatment. also can anyone who has had ICSI give me some idea of how long the treatment takes, how many times you have to visit the hospital, and roughly how long after the first visit does treatment start, we have waited since april for this appointment even though we have to pay for it so i assume it might be similar waiting times to NHS, any help would be great, thanks

jujugaboo

Runnerduck wrote: »

hi, good luck to all those on diets, i am just coming to the end of my first week on the slimfast plan, lost 4 pounds so far my BMI is now 29.5, the chocolate bars are nice but the shakes are bit hard going, i feel like i need some proper food with it!

can anyone give me any idea what to expect on our first visit i 2 weeks, we have already had all the tests in the last year, but this is our first visit to the hospital where we will be having the treatment. also can anyone who has had ICSI give me some idea of how long the treatment takes, how many times you have to visit the hospital, and roughly how long after the first visit does treatment start, we have waited since april for this appointment even though we have to pay for it so i assume it might be similar waiting times to NHS, any help would be great, thanks

How long the treatment depends if you will be on a short or long protocal. A short one is gennerally given if you periods are irregular, it so they can give you tablets to bring on AF and I think that process will take about 3-4 weeks. If you are on a long protocal (which is what I am on) the process is generally 6-7 weeks but some hospitals can vary. You normally have to wait 19 days from your first period then take down reg drugs for 2 weeks, then down reg drugs and stim drugs for 10-12 days, then EC then ET and then the dredded 2ww.

The first time I had ICSI I had quite a few scans and BT but this time I have only got 3 scans/BT before EC.

If you are having your appointment I think you are likely to be starting treatment in the next month or so, it just waiting for that AF that takes the time so you can actually start the treatment. Normally its just a chat first about the procedures etc, however, on my first appointment first time round I had an internal scan.

Hope this helps. Good luck and well done on the weight loss too.

jujugaboo

Maddie wrote: »

Huge congrats to alamaya!

Me and OH have our first appointment at the fertility (or should that be infertility?) clinic nexty wednesday, so we didn't have to wait too long at all in the end So can i expect an internal examination on the first appointment?

First time round I had an internal scan on my appointment but second time I didn't so i think it depends on the clinic. Nothing to worry about though. Probably be just a chat about the procedures etc.

Runnerduck

thanks for that jugjugaboo, the hospital is about an hour and a half away(there is nowhere nearer) and OH will need to get time off. I hope we can start before xmas, can't concentrate on anything at the moment.

Good Luck with your treatment, hope it all goes well

ginvzt

Runnerduck wrote: »

... roughly how long after the first visit does treatment start, we have waited since april for this appointment even though we have to pay for it so i assume it might be similar waiting times to NHS, any help would be great, thanks

We have been referred to hospital for IVF (or anything else) in June. I have been away for over a month, so our timescales are not much to go buy, but just to give you an idea:

June - referral letter sent out by consultant
July 7th - invited for patients information evening (PIE), but we had to rearrange it for July 21st as we were on holiday.
During the PIE we were given pack with information, consent forms, appointment for OH for semen analysis and blood tests, for me telling me to come day 2-4 for blood tests.
I went back for bloods next morning, as AF just started a day or two ago, OH had his appointment week later.
Got a letter through post inviting us for Joint Consultant's appointment on August 26th (had to reschedule this for September 20th as I was away with work until last week). During this appointment we should be told about our tests results and what are our options (IUI/IVF/ICSI), and also the timescales.

In the information pack, it said that following this appointment I have to ring on day 1 of my next cycle to book drugs appointment, etc. It also said that if I do not ring within 2 months, I will be removed from the list for the treatment (of course, if you let them know that you can't do the treatment that month for a certain reason, it is ok).

So, when we get there on Monday I expect things to move fairly quickly... And I am sure I will be told wrong when I am there...

Runnerduck

thanks for that ginvzt, We have been sent information and forms to fill in through the post, we haven't been invited to a PIE or anything, maybe as we will be treated in wales things are a bit different, i also havent actually been told to lose weight but everything i have read suggests a BMI of under 30 so i have been dieting anyway just incase they say something at next appointment, good luck with your treatment.

ginvzt

Runnerduck wrote: »

thanks for that ginvzt, We have been sent information and forms to fill in through the post, we haven't been invited to a PIE or anything, maybe as we will be treated in wales things are a bit different, i also havent actually been told to lose weight but everything i have read suggests a BMI of under 30 so i have been dieting anyway just incase they say something at next appointment, good luck with your treatment.

Well, I am going to Liverpool, and they were 'kind' enough to tell during PIE that if you are from Wales, both partners need to by BMI 29 or less... That would be the end to it for us, as OH is quite a bit over BMI=29...

Good luck!

Runnerduck

ginvzt wrote: »

Well, I am going to Liverpool, and they were 'kind' enough to tell during PIE that if you are from Wales, both partners need to by BMI 29 or less... That would be the end to it for us, as OH is quite a bit over BMI=29...

Good luck!

Omg i better keep going with diet then , OH is very skinny so that wont be a problem,thanks for the warning

ginvzt

Runnerduck wrote: »

Omg i better keep going with diet then , OH is very skinny so that wont be a problem,thanks for the warning

No problem. I hope that their BMI 29 or less means that it has to be below 30, so 29.6 for example is ok. Otherwise, I might be sent house without further treatment!!!!

FatVonD

I have never seen this thread before but as a mum to a (now) 13 year old boy conceived via IVF I'd just like to wish you all luck