Anyone having treatment at shrewsbury? - Fertility Network UK

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Anyone having treatment at shrewsbury?

43 Replies

Hello everyone I am new on here. My husband and I have been trying to start a family for over 2 years and we have been referred for ivf at Shrewsbury and wondered if anyone is or has gone there for treatment and their experiences and how long did you wait for treatment? We were told we could wait up to 10 weeks for the appointment however we got it through 4 weeks later which was great. Well today is the day we have our first appointment at Shrewsbury. I am feeling positive about it but deep down I feel like I am kidding myself and I will come out crying and upset like some of the other appointments I have been to in the past before being referred. I had a hycosy privately in January which I was told I had a septum initially I was told it was bicornuate but this time I have been told its now septated didelphys which I am a little confused about. My consultant told me he had made me extra fertile for the next 2-3 months which I wish he never told me as it gave me false hope. My husband has had semen analysis done and his motility is a little slow. He takes co enzyme Q10 and vitamin E, Boots complete man, vitamin c and zinc, cod liver oil, and high strength omega 3 fish oil. I take folic acid which also contains vitamin d, evening primrose up until ovulation then i stop taking it, cod liver and omega 3 fish oil. We both eat a healthy diet with a few treats in the week.

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43 Replies
Sunnysam91 profile image
Sunnysam91

Hi there, I'm at Shrewsbury also, been there since Jan last yr. 1 abandoned iui sept, 1 failed iui in December and now onto IVF which im in the middle of I guess! I must say I don't know anything about your diagnosis but can say the unit are lovely, I've never had much trouble with appointments (just had notes sitting on a desk for weeks once) and the nurses are great. I've had bloods and scans this week my last tmoro with hopeful egg collection next week.

Wishing you well on your journey!

in reply to Sunnysam91

Thank you sunnysam91. I haven't really been told much abouty diagnosis just that I have an abnormal womb but everything else is fine and no reason why I'm not getting pregnant. I am just coming back from my appointment now. The nurse was friendly and my appointment was pretty quick just a initial consultation I am having to have another ultrasound again and just a bunch of blood work done to tick their boxes then awaiting for another consultation with the consultant. It would have been nice to be able to get a few answers regarding my husband's semen analysis but having to wait for the next appointment for that to be answered. So we still pretty much feel in the same position as we were a year ago but never mind I suppose we are in the system now and one day it will happen. Good luck to u too with your journey. X

Sunnysam91 profile image
Sunnysam91 in reply to

It will all happen in the next few months we waited 3 for our consultant app, when you get to this point and look back on the time it really has gone very quick. So many appointments to come this bit is a lull but enjoy life, make plans and dont stress about things beyond your control. Keep in touch x

in reply to Sunnysam91

Ahhh thank you for your response it's helped. I am currently making plans on my home and trying to get on as normal. I have found it incredibly hard as I lost my nan a few months ago and after caring for her 3 months after I got married so I've had a lot to process in a short space of time. So far though I feel positive and people on here who respond really do help and doesn't make me feel so alone x

flower83 profile image
flower83 in reply to Sunnysam91

Hi Sunnysam91, Did you have hycosy? how long did you wait for that?

DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK

Hi Ramsay91. Just read your post. Not supposed to remark on a particular clinic/hospital as it can be seen as advertising. However, when I read your diagnosis, you need to be seen by someone who has specialised in this condition, as you may need to have a stitch inserted into your cervix when you become pregnant, to encourage the foetus to grow upwards and not push down. It can be managed successfully, but I would want an experienced consultant. Hopefully the one you will see will be able to treat you successfully, with the follow up aftercare you might need. Obviously, you need to start with a definite diagnosis, as you have already been given two different opinions. I am sure you will be sorted out, but ask questions. Thinking of you. Diane

in reply to DianeArnold

Thank you Diane for your advice. I think I will have to wait for my consultant appointment though? Or could I see my gp for a second opinion I'm not sure what else I can do before the next appointment but wait really. I will be going to the fertility event on the 25th in Manchester so hoping to get lots of info there x

DianeArnold profile image
DianeArnoldPartnerNurseFertility Network UK in reply to

Hi Ramsay91. You will get lots of info in Manchester, so good luck with that one. Your GP might be able to find out what your consultant's specialities are, might be worth asking. Diane

72cloud9 profile image
72cloud9

Good luck with everything xxx

hannahi profile image
hannahi

Hi everyone, my GP referred us to Shrewsbury last Friday so 1wk ago. I just wondered how long it was before you guys received the letter with your first appointment date on? My OH has severe sperm issues so very keen to get on with things asap - patience isn't my strong point!

in reply to hannahi

Hello hannahi,

I think everyone is different but we got referred on Feb 6,th and had our first appointment at Shrewsbury on 16th march. I have a scan booked in for the 18th may and my husband has a sperm analysis done that same day too. We then have to wait for a consultant appointment to decide what options we have. So it seems like a long process but we are just keeping busy amongst the baby news we keep hearing which is very hard. I have an abnormal uterus and my husband has low motility however since he has quit smoking there has been a big change from his last test so we are hoping we don't have to have ivf. Like u patience is not my strong point either and the more I think about it the more angry and frustrated I get at myself and my husband. We are making plans on the house which we won't be able to do once a baby is here so we are just focusing on the things we want and can do. We are also going to the fertility show in Manchester tomo to get more information and support to help us feel more positive. We wish u all the best with your journey! x

hannahi profile image
hannahi

Thanks so much for your reply...it sounds like hopefully we won't have to wait too long for our first appointment. It seems an age in between appointments when you look forward to everything involved doesn't it? I think you've got the right idea by trying to distract yourself with other projects - I'm finding I can't think about anything other than babies! Did you receive your letter with your first appointment on quite quickly after referral? I know the actual appointment will be a while but just wondering how soon to expect the letter? I feel like the last 15 months of ttc has been emotionally exhausting & get quite downhearted when I think of the journey still ahead, but I know I haven't been through much at all when you hear of what some ppl have to go through x

in reply to hannahi

When I got home last night I was amazed to find a letter with my first consultant appointment for 18th June so exactly a month later once all my tests are done so I was really surprised how quick it was as I wasn't expecting to hear anything for a good few months really as I know we are not the only ones. This appointment says it will discuss all of our test results and come up with a plan. I feel the same we have been ttc for over 2 1/2 years and the amount of breakdowns I have had I have felt like a complete wreck! I find it incredibly hard still to hear baby news and even be around babies and I feel awful for feeling like that but I do. Then I feel bad because there are couples who are in a worse situation than us so I feel guilt too. I think I'm still grieving over my nan who passed away in December so stress doesn't help. I have got to the point where I have accepted where I am and I am focusing more on what opportunities are ahead. All the best x

hannahi profile image
hannahi

So happy for you to hear that your appointment with your consultant isn't going to be too long to wait. Hopefully we'll hear something soon then - I like to think I'll feel better when I have some kind of idea of time frame, but who knows...my emotions are all over the place! One day I feel like I'm coping pretty well & manage to distract myself & the next I'm feeling depressed & despairing of how unfair it all is. I'm glad I stumbled across this forum - seems like it will be a good support.

Good luck with it all x

in reply to hannahi

I felt exactly the same then I also stumbled across this forum and thought I would give it a try and it has really helped my emotions and the way I think about our situation. I really did feel left in the dark after hospital appointments and felt unsupported but by talking to others on here and reading their stories makes me not feel so alone. x

hannahi profile image
hannahi

Hi Ramsay just stumbled across this old post when browsing health unlocked & can't believe it was 3 months ago we wrote that. How are you getting on? We had appt with consultant this wk & are being referred for icsi which we've been told should start within 18wks x

in reply to hannahi

Hi hannahi!

The months fly by great to hear from you. Thats really positive news I hope it works for you. I had a positive test last month but it wasn't meant to be...but I'm really focusing on myself at the minute and going to the gym is a huge distraction for me. I have my appointment with the consultant on Wednesday I'm really nervous with what they are going to say coz it always makes me upset and my failure of not being able to do this by myself, but I know thats a silly way of thinking in reality! I have struggled a bit as 4 of our friends are pregnant and 3 of them due all in September I am happy for them but makes me feel how incompetent my body is again I need to get over myself and get on with it and thank the NHS we are getting help so for that we are grateful for. I will give u an update of what is said on wed. X

Hi Hannahi

Thought I would give you an update of today. We had our consultant appointment and we felt it was an awful lot to take in. The consultant was very good and we didn't really have to ask any questions as he covered everything however as always I had a few questions once i left the room! Anyway he has told me that i have a didelphic uterus but only one cervix and although we could keep trying naturally he has told us that we have already been referred for ivf which we were unaware of so kind of a nice surprise. He also said i could try clomid but he wasn't as sure for me to have that due to the side effects and thinks ivf would be better. Told it wouldn't be a big deal and hopefully it will work as all of our test results were pretty good. We left and went back to the car and I should have felt happy but i felt incredibly peed off and upset for some reason and all i can put it down to is the fact i feel like such a failure that its come to this and so angry with my body not being able to do something that so many other women find easy to do.. I feel bad for saying it but i feel so sad about the whole thing and scared that it won't work. Has anyone got any advice or tips we can try to prepare us for our first cycle which will be at some point this year please? I really feel like I am breaking and we haven't even started treatment yet how do you cope?

hannahi profile image
hannahi

You've just echoed exactly how I felt when I came out of our appt with the consultant last week, and to be honest been struggling to pick myself back up since....he didn't tell us anything we didn't know (in terms of diagnosis anyway) & was quite positive about our chances with icsi, so I should have come out relatively happy...but I didn't. I think it's just facing the reality of everything & having someone show you in black & white how rubbish some of our results are! I too am quite pessimistic, but I am trying to find my inner positive thinking to try and stop me going too crazy. I've ordered a book called the secret which someone on here recommended, apparently it's about positive thinking. I'll let you know if it helps! X

KimE88 profile image
KimE88

Hi everyone. I came across this as I was searching for info about appointment and waiting times at Shrewsbury. How are you all getting on?? I had my last appointment with the consultant at the beginning of May. We live in Wales so waiting times differ a bit I've been told. Been 5 months now and it's killing me. Just want a letter to arrive saying it's our turn! Xx

Zara_lou profile image
Zara_lou in reply to KimE88

Hi Kim,

I'm from Wales and have an appointment to see a consultant in January, have you started any treatment? I didn't realise is was going to be such a long wait!

KimE88 profile image
KimE88 in reply to Zara_lou

No I still ha haven’t started treatment! Been told now it’s after next financial year as they have no more money for Welsh patients. I didn’t realise it would be this long. When we do get seen it will be almost 4 years since we started ttc! Xx

Zara_lou profile image
Zara_lou in reply to KimE88

Oh wow I can't believe this! I thought once you saw a consultant things would move pretty quickly, obviously not! I feel like you put your life on hold when you're waiting for all the appointments.

Did they say when next year or whether you were top of the list etc? Xx

I've been told that we won't be seen until after April next year as they have run out of funding. We were originally told by the consultant that we should be seen towards the end of this year. Then we were told after February next year. It's a joke now so I don't believe anything they say they have left us feeling so cross and saddened our experience of Shrewsbury so far hasn't been a good one. They have left me feeling like we will never be called up 😥

KimE88 profile image
KimE88 in reply to

Hi Ramsey! I’m the same... we were told November this year but now have to wait until after April. Stay strong!! I keep thinking... at least we get 2 attempts! X

in reply to KimE88

I had a phonecall this morning to remind me of how long I've got to wait 😥 I'm staying strong and just thinking well I've got more chances of TTC by ourselves. Two attempts is great, but keep getting the feeling that we won't be called up as they will run out of funding I've heard of so many horror stories where treatment has been withdrawn. Staying positive is so so hard xx

KimE88 profile image
KimE88 in reply to

It’s awful with the thought of the funding being pulled! I’ve read Wales are entitled to 3 attempts but can afford 2! I don’t think Wales would get away with pulling the funding completely but will just be a slower process maybe??? I dunno? I keep thinking of lots of excuses 😊 yea I keep thinking more time to do it ourselves but after 3 years I’ve kinda given up on the idea!! Xx

Zara_lou profile image
Zara_lou in reply to KimE88

Visit can't see your latest post Kim, only the first few lines in my email.

We too will be travelling almost 2 hours for the appointment, we have an ultrasound and sample booked in for December and as it's my partner who has the issue we're also travelling to Liverpool for further investigations for him.

I'm going to get in touch with the local fertility nurse in NW to see if she can shed some light on timescales but keep me updated anyway ladies xx

Zara_lou profile image
Zara_lou in reply to

That's awful, when did you see the consultant? What should I expect from the appointment with the consultant?

in reply to Zara_lou

Think it was back in June time was in their for 5 minutes no real answer as to why we weren't getting pregnant so he said IVF would be the best thing to do and saying it's pretty straight forward process. I wouldn't expect much from the consultation I hope they don't raise your hopes on when u will be seen like they did with me. Still makes me mad thinking about it. All the best x

KimE88 profile image
KimE88 in reply to Zara_lou

My consultant appointment was in May. Same as Ramsey... about a 5 min chat. Went through what was wrong .. it’s both of us 😩.... and that we will prob have ICSI. DH was a bit annoyed as we travelled for 2 hours for what could have been a phonecall. I didn’t mind as I felt like it was progress going to the hospital!!! Xxx

Roberts91 profile image
Roberts91

Is it try that the Shrewsbury ivf department is moving to a new location this summer? Do you think that will make things quicker or will slow things down for us? Xx

in reply to Roberts91

Hello, I have just had a quick look on their website the building looks great very promising hopefully get to treat more people fingers crossed! Xx

HPotss profile image
HPotss

Hello, I’ve been under Shrewsbury for over a year! They’ve been great with me and I’ve had appointments through pretty quick. I’ve had 1st round of ICSI - BFN and then a FET - MC @ 6 weeks.

It all depends on the financial year and they said that to me last Jan and then had my first round in April.

Roberts91 profile image
Roberts91 in reply to HPotss

I’m very sorry to hear that hopefully things will be better for you next time. Are you from england or wales as I knownthe waiting time is different. Xx

HPotss profile image
HPotss in reply to Roberts91

I’m from Wales... on the border.

Xx

in reply to HPotss

From wales too 😊

thats pretty quick, i guess i came at the wrong time, well we shall see what this year will bring i give up contacting them now every time we get a different answer. All the best for you x

KimE88 profile image
KimE88 in reply to

Hey everyone... quick update... after finding out that it would be our turn after the next financial year, I thought nothing would happen until then. But in January I got a call to go in and have the group couples chat, then went back last week to sign the consent forms. Our meds arrived on Friday and I have to wait now until next af. Egg collection is roughly April 2nd ... gone from waiting for what feels like forever, to having everything arrive and preparing. Can’t believe it’s just round the corner now 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 xxx

flower83 profile image
flower83

Hi I was referred to Telfor/shrewsbury hospital fertility clinic. I had my first appointment with the nurse and had blood tests. My ultrasound and specialist appointment will be in June. In what stage they will ask tupe patency test? Should I get it done in private? So it will not be a waste of time. I do not want to start any treatment before I know my tubes are ok.

flower83 profile image
flower83 in reply to flower83

The nurse told me they do not accept test from outside, but If hycosy is already done, I cannot see why they won't accept it. My worry is that when I go to consultation at the end of June, if doctor refers me to hycosy and I have to wait months for it. I think if it is already done, they can just accept it. what is your experience with tube patency test in NHS Hycosy or HSG?

flower83 profile image
flower83

Hi Ramsay91, when you get Hycosy done in private, were you prescribed antibiotic?

Mrsplant profile image
Mrsplant

Hi. I know this us an old post. But only just joined. Ive been at shrewbury fertility since 2016. They r so lovely and gr8. Im due to try a frozen embryo in oct 2018 after loosing twins at 11 weeks in aug 2017 xx

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