First IVF appointment at Barts London.

[CLN1986]

Hi everyone.

As the title says, we have our first appointment at Barts in a few weeks. Was just wondering if anyone has any advice for the first appointment? I know in the morning we’ll have tests and then in the afternoon meet the consultant then the nurse (thats what the letter says) Would just like a heads up in what to expect really.

Thanks in advance everyone xx

[destiny121]

I use the same clinic... have you had your information session yet?

[CLN1986 in reply to destiny121]

Hi. This is our very first appointment at Barts. I got forms in the post which we have filled out and have to take them with us. What happens at the information session? x

[destiny121 in reply to CLN1986]

Ahhh i see.... on my very first appointment we had a information session....Think of a lecture/lesson in a class room type of thing...this was with other couples (amazed by how many people are going through this journey) In this lesson they talk you through the. Whole procedure of ivf and the nurses and embryologists come in and give a talk as well....

Once this was done we had to go and have bloods taken and then back to the nurse who privately shows you how to do the injections and gives you your protocol for this cycle of treatment and they give you your needles and disposable box to take home....then it was down to the pharmacy to collect your meds....

Its a long day and goes by pretty quickly... i would take a large handbag to fit your box and all of your meds.... i also recorded a little video of how to do the injections...

Good luck my dear... its all happening xxx

[CLN1986 in reply to destiny121]

Right! So a lot to take in🙈 taking a video is a good idea! Thanks for the tip!

I didn’t think I would be getting any needles and things that quick.. on the letter it says I’ll be having an internal ultrasound and the OH needs to do a SA in the morning. But makes sense to have all the information thrown at us on the same day...

eek.. it really is happening!!!

[destiny121 in reply to CLN1986]

Ohh reallly... perhaps theyve changes the process.... im really not sure.... i was very to receive all my meds that day too... my partner only did sperm sample when i had egg collection but sounds a bit strange... have you had all tests before including semen before you were referred by your gp?

[CLN1986 in reply to destiny121]

Yep. Had a laparoscopy and the OH has done the seman test before. I have endometriosis so might be because of that?

How long ago did you have your cycle of ivf?

I’ll let ya know once we go.

[destiny121 in reply to CLN1986]

Perhaps your right... mine was in october last year x

[Miss_Worrier]

Hi CLN1986 ! Great news that you've got your first appointment set up. i very recently just had my first appointment with an actual consultant (last week) and already have my meds being delivered tomorrow, with nurse meeting this Thursday, and potentially will start first cycle in 12 days.. All very very fast.... considering the drawn out wait for out initial tests!

I would say the pre- ivf meetings all seem to vary from trust ot trust (I'm at Kings in London) - i think depending on when they can fit you in soonest for different things.

One thing i would recommend is not to get to phased by the sheer volume of information you may feel you have to take in at one time... i thought I had read up on the IVF process in prep, but my WORD the consultant threw a lot of information our way in a short 20 minutes!! Good thing is they don't expect you to remember every tiny detail, so try to keep a note if poss of anything you think you'll want to go over again.

Wishing you lots of luck! Positive things are happening xxx

[CLN1986 in reply to Miss_Worrier]

Thank you for the reply! I guess like you said, all trust work slightly differently. Guess I need to just wait and see... the pre-appointments have seemed to take forever so it’s good that now it’s moving a lot faster for you!!

Once I have my meds I’m sure I’ll be back asking lots of questions!

Good luck going forward xxx