12-24 weeks pregnant (part 4)

arbrighton

Well I've now actually bought something(s) for bean.

Went into aldi. DOH

Several sleep suits, blanket, muslins, hooded towel (not necessary but v cute) and all in gender neutral colours. OOPS. Still feels too early.

Monday114

Hi ladies. I hope you don't mind me posting here when I'm not pregnant, but I hoped some of you may have some experience of IVF? I posted somewhere else on the forum but got no response. My husband has ED and so having a normal sex life is not possible. We are in our late 30s and would LOVE a baby. My husband went to his Dr and was referred to hospital. He attended a few appointments where they tested his blood, testosterone levels etc and gave him tablets which had little/no impact. He then wasn’t called back.

When I discussed this with a Dr at the practice I go to, he said IVF would be our best hope and I should get blood tests done and a smear and then I would be referred to the fertility clinic at the hospital. I’ve had this done and went to see another Dr at the practice last week (the Dr I originally seen has since left). The Dr was (to my mind) very unsympathetic and it was almost as if he thought I wasn’t being honest about my husband’s condition (as if I would lie about it! ). He said he didn’t want to refer me as, to his mind, he doesn’t think enough investigations have been done. He said my DH should go back to his Dr and get referred to the hospital again. I said that I didn’t feel as though I have time for this (I’m 39 and I think you get one attempt at IVF on the NHS in Northern Ireland if you are 40 or under, which he didn’t know) and whilst we were more than happy for my husband to undergo further tests, I also wanted referred (my husband has had this condition for a number of years).

The Dr said he didn’t know what to write as it is an ‘unusual’ case and at my age I wouldn’t be a priority. I left the surgery in tears.

I’m not sure what I want from this post. I suppose the experience of other women who have been referred for IVF? I’m wondering if I should make another appointment to see a different Dr at the practice? My husband has spoken to his Dr who has agreed to refer him again, but that could take time that I don’t have and may not help.

Did anyone else have a Dr who was reluctant to refer you? What did you do? I’m worried the Dr may not have written a referral letter…and, if he did write one, what he said. Many thanks in advance... and congratulations to all of you!!!!

cats2012

Hey Monday I dont' know how many ladies on here have been through IVF but have you tried http://www.fertilityfriends.co.uk/ ? I didn't have the same issues but I did post on there when we were having issues and I guarantee someone will have been in your position! It's a really supportive group x

Meepmeep

Hi Monday
I went for ivf (currently 17 weeks pregnant). However I went privately rather than NHS as I was 40 when we started to try and 40 and 5 months when we found out it was unlikely to happen without help. I didn't want to spend time on an NHS waiting list when I felt time was running out (my AMH was low even for my age).
I'd happily answer any questions about ivf but unable to tell you anything about having it on the NHS.
X

newthrift

Hello sorry I've not posted but I have been reading most days. I do that thing where I reply in my head then something pops up and I get distracted haha!
Thank you all for the anenatel class information, I'm going to ask at my 24week appointment if the midwife doesn't give it me automatically. Also, I have registered/reserved my place on a NCT course in May which is exciting.
Flutters started here the other day (on my birthday actually which was lovely) and I've got light/gentle actual kicks starting now. I'm hoping to feel them stronger over the coming week, it's so nice.

April - yes it was me that said about the Joolz pram, mine is currently resided at my mums. Glad you liked it and may be going for that one
Monday - sorry I can't offer any advise as it's not something I've personal experience of, but I hope someone can offer advise either on here or via the fertility friends.
Penguin - Enjoy your break away.
Plenty emotion around here too, sometimes I'm fine and other days I just want to cry for no reason whatsoever - hormones ey :rotfl:

Tansy_1980

Monday114 wrote: »

Hi ladies. I hope you don't mind me posting here when I'm not pregnant, but I hoped some of you may have some experience of IVF? I posted somewhere else on the forum but got no response. My husband has ED and so having a normal sex life is not possible. We are in our late 30s and would LOVE a baby. My husband went to his Dr and was referred to hospital. He attended a few appointments where they tested his blood, testosterone levels etc and gave him tablets which had little/no impact. He then wasn’t called back.

When I discussed this with a Dr at the practice I go to, he said IVF would be our best hope and I should get blood tests done and a smear and then I would be referred to the fertility clinic at the hospital. I’ve had this done and went to see another Dr at the practice last week (the Dr I originally seen has since left). The Dr was (to my mind) very unsympathetic and it was almost as if he thought I wasn’t being honest about my husband’s condition (as if I would lie about it! ). He said he didn’t want to refer me as, to his mind, he doesn’t think enough investigations have been done. He said my DH should go back to his Dr and get referred to the hospital again. I said that I didn’t feel as though I have time for this (I’m 39 and I think you get one attempt at IVF on the NHS in Northern Ireland if you are 40 or under, which he didn’t know) and whilst we were more than happy for my husband to undergo further tests, I also wanted referred (my husband has had this condition for a number of years).

The Dr said he didn’t know what to write as it is an ‘unusual’ case and at my age I wouldn’t be a priority. I left the surgery in tears.

I’m not sure what I want from this post. I suppose the experience of other women who have been referred for IVF? I’m wondering if I should make another appointment to see a different Dr at the practice? My husband has spoken to his Dr who has agreed to refer him again, but that could take time that I don’t have and may not help.

Did anyone else have a Dr who was reluctant to refer you? What did you do? I’m worried the Dr may not have written a referral letter…and, if he did write one, what he said. Many thanks in advance... and congratulations to all of you!!!!

Hi - you need to get a referral. I'm in NI and it took a year from referral from GP to first appointment with fertility clinic and then another 7 months once problem was diagnosed and we were accepted for treatment until the treatment dates. If your GP hasn't referred you, ask to see another. Your husband also needs a referral from his GP. They should make a referral if you have been trying without success for over a year. If you're only on the cusp, say you've been trying for two. Your partner's condition makes things even trickier, but you shouldn't be penalised for this. Explain that you've been trying as much as you can without success and are now requesting the referral to which you are entitled. Good luck!

arbrighton

Off to 16 week midwife in a bit, although according to scan I am 17 weeks today. Need to go and get the pot out of the drawer and do my sample. Blah not a tidy/ clean process.

What happens at this appt? I know, take sample and notes. More bloods? Is it too early to listen to heartbeat?

firebird082

arbrighton wrote: »

Off to 16 week midwife in a bit, although according to scan I am 17 weeks today. Need to go and get the pot out of the drawer and do my sample. Blah not a tidy/ clean process.

What happens at this appt? I know, take sample and notes. More bloods? Is it too early to listen to heartbeat?

Shouldn't be any more bloods, and I got to listen to the heartbeat at mine Not sure what else is standard, as at mine they basically did the entire booking in again due to earlier problems between hospitals!

april87

Arbrighton at my 16 weeks it was more of a chat then anything. Bloods got taken, as well as the usual weight etc but that was about it. No heartbeat for me. She did inform me that we would hear it at my 24 week appt. Hopefully it all goes well. I also saw in the Aldi weekly deal book that they had baby things in this week, but I've yet to see anything in store.

New that's a nice wee birthday surprise there. After going back and forwards with the OH we have decided it'll be the Joolz Day for us. Just need to get round to buying it now.

I've felt the odd kick here and there, but nothing much. I look forward to when I can feel them more often. Me and the OH are convinced we felt something yesterday morning before we got up. I could feel baby moving about and a little kick, the OH felt it too, but as you said Penguin it was nothing like he had expected to feel. It was probably one of the more stronger kicks I have felt. Not really felt much since, but I don't expect to feel full on movement for another week or few.

poddle911

I didn't have bloods, but I did get to hear the heartbeat - the midwife did have to preface it by saying that our NHS trust doesn't recommend it before 24 weeks, but she would try if I requested it. It was really nice, especially as it's another few weeks before the scan.

But we had our 20wk scan last week and all fine - after a little walk around and a kitkat as baby was face down and stubborn! My placenta is currently blocking the cervix so I've got to have another scan around 32 weeks. They didn't mention placenta previa (which I suppose is what it is), and said usually it will move in the next few months, so nothing to worry about at this stage. But it might affect my being able to feel movements as baby might just be kicking the placenta instead of me.