Fertility app left me upset....

[Emmaday28]

I'm new on here didn't know where to turn..we have been trying to conceive for nearly 2 years I have endo. I had a lap procedure in May and a dye test all was fine. Today was my follow up app I saw a different consultant who didn't have all my notes so had to relay my medical history. She has suggested I have another set of blood tests for hormone levels even though I have already been told they are fine. She then asked if we had thought of IVF....we didn't expect that we have already reached the end of investigations already. She gave no information on it or if we would be NHS funded. I have been an emotional state since and don't feel we have the support. We now have to wait another 8 weeks to be seen again so she can get all our paperwork it feels like the NHS are totally letting us down...we just don't know what to do!

[Bunty83]

I remember going to see the gynae consultant around that stage and they asked me if I was there to get ivf. I thought no, I'm here for you to tell me what you think the problem is and fix it for me. I don't think anyone would ever choose ivf. We did have about a year to go before the cycle started to get our heads around it, sort of, you're still always wishing you'll get pregnant naturally. There are a lot of hoops to get through and really I had to say it, but I wouldn't expect much support from the NHS. Hence why they gave you zero info at your appointment, they are always in such a rush I found. The IVF clinic was much more friendly and understanding, and offer you counselling if you need someone to speak to. All the best on your journey xx

[Ttcblues]

The Nhs is so un-sensitive and slow, but I agree the fertility centres are 100 times better. Are you in a position to get some tests done privately? That's what I did to get some answers and they were not that expensive for simple tests.

Xx

[Emmaday28]

Thank you all for your responses so far. We aren't really in a position to do a lot privately but we don't know the costs but might be worth looking into! i must of been disillusional that the NHS would be helpful. I have an app with my GP tonight who I have been able to rely on in the past. I don't even know where we could find out if we can get any IVF funding??

[Hopeful1982]

I remember when we were first referred we were sent the IVF criteria for our area. I wanted referred to try and work outshot was wrong. We were hoping not to require IVF at that stage. It's a bit of a problem with the NHS in that they see it as the solutions to our issue. It would have been nice if things were more joined up and someone spoke to you about all your options including adoption etc. It is a very emotional time and it can be exhausting trying to work through everything yourself.

Have a look at the fertility fairness website. It has all the funding criteria for the different parts of the country.

Good luck x

[debs1082]

Hi Emma, ur story sounds similar to mine.... I have endo and couldn't get pregnant. I had a lap to see if it would help improve fertility and also had the dye test which was clear. They then started testing my bloods each month to check I was ovulating, which I was...still wasn't getting pregnant. The fertility drugs that are offered for those with fertility issues are really best for those who have ovulation problems and they are also not good for endo which is why they have mentioned IVF to you as this is generally thought of as the best option if it's not happening naturally. It can be very frustrating when docs don't say 'the reason ur not getting pregnant is....' And 'we'll fix it with...'

We had IVF at the start of the year and our first cycle was successful and I'm due in November. It is really scary starting the treatment but also gives hope after you've been trying for so long naturally with no result. Hopefully at your next appointment you will have better info and feel more assured. Xx

[Emmaday28 in reply to debs1082]

Thanks for your response and congratulations that's is great news to hear! Did you go through the NHS funded route? If so how easy was it to get the IVF treatment on the NHS?x

[debs1082 in reply to Emmaday28]

Thanks!

We found the application process fairly simple, both in our 30s, non smokers, healthy weight etc. We were offered 2 cycles on NHS but as the first one worked we will now pay for any future cycles.

We were put on the waiting list for IVF around June 2014 and started treatment in January 2015. We live in Glasgow which has a long waiting list but were offered to be seen quicker if we were willing to travel to a hospital in Dundee for treatment which we did.

I recommend you get on the waiting list asap. Hopefully it won't come to IVF for you and perhaps you will be offered alternative assistance first, but it's good to have a plan b in place. Wish you lots of luck xx