Hi everyone

[HopeandIvy]

Hi all. I'm new here. I guess I don't really know how to begin. I suppose I'm here for the same reason as you all. My husband and I have been trying for a baby for 2.5 years and had our first appointment with a fertility nurse last week. She told us our best shot at having a baby is via ICSI due to my husband's sperm count and quality, it's not impossible but would be pretty unlikely for us to get pregnant the old fashioned way. It was a blow, we expected to be offered help because if how long we've been trying but didn't know it would be our best chance. Where we live the CCG funds one shot at treatment and we've no money for more. I have some tests booked in, another internal scan and a HCG x-ray although they're pretty confident that I don't have any issues. Husband had another blood test at the clinic to check his chromosomes, the results of which will take 8 weeks. So on November 1st we have out first appointment with the specialist who will look at all the results and make a treatment plan.

It feels daunting, surreal, like I know how it will end already. Wondering how I can hold onto hope without getting my hopes up, if that makes sense. Thanks in advance for your support xx

[Tango789]

My husband and I were in a very similar situation. Sperm issues meant ICSI. Slightly different circumstances meant we went private - we now have two daughters both born from ICSI. It was an emotional rollercoaster as like you we had been TTC for a while. I guess I would say don't lose heart!

[LegoBatgirl in reply to Tango789]

Thanks for sharing this it's always nice to hear a success story x

[genten]

Hi and welcome 😊

I can agree that it is a blow when you're told that you will likely need help to conceive.

I hope you get things moving at your consultation in Novemeber.

It definitely makes sense, you want to be positive but then the negative thoughts come through which you have to keep batting away.

Im glad you found the forum, there are lots of lovely people here that will be supportive and share similar experiences.

Don't give up before you begin. Xx

[jengi]

Hello! We were all in your shoes once upon a time. Starting out on this journey is daunting as there is so many inknowns. My circumstances are very different to yours but I wish you lots of luck. You have a good chance of success so keep positive, & take each day as it comes. Be prepared for the tough days if they arrive, know how you will tackle it together as a couple. On those days we take the day off and go for a walk and lunch. Know your plan B. Start saving your pennies for that plan. My husband and I have cut down to one car, rent out our spare room, take less holidays and I sell a beauty product as a side venture alongside my full time job. Every little penny helps. And most importantly talk to each other about how you feel. I wish you all the luck in the world Xx

[HopeandIvy]

Thank you all so much. I’m glad I found this place too. Thinking of going to a group meeting near me soon too. Xxx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

Welcome! Many of us here know how you feel. Hurrah for being entitled to an NHS round - silver linings are important on this journey. My clinic recommend the following one a day supplements for improving sperm health, either menevit or condensyl. Both are expensive and need to be taken for a few months but thought I would mention as, even using icsi it’s good to get those sperm as healthy as possible xx

[Lovefood1984]

Welcome! We had ICSI due to lower morphology (clinic never mentioned what our natural chances were though) 1st round worked, I’m 31+3 weeks pregnant and we have 3 Frosties in the freezer. Just thought you might like some hope. I’m not saying it’ll definitely work but it is possible! x

[HopeandIvy in reply to Lovefood1984]

That’s wonderful to hear. Thank you so much xx

[LegoBatgirl in reply to Lovefood1984]

Thanks for sharing, it's always good to hear a success story x

[1Boo]

Hi HopeandIvy, we had the exact same scenario as you (also told itd be pretty unlikely to conceive the old fashioned way!) We were so lucky and I gave birth to a healthy baby boy 18 months ago after just 1 round of Icsi... im currently 26 weeks pregnant - naturally with my 2nd baby! I never thought it would be possible but apparently miracles do happen!

Sending you all the baby dust in the world and good luck!! Xx

[HopeandIvy in reply to 1Boo]

Congratulations! That really is very heartening to hear xxx

[LegoBatgirl in reply to 1Boo]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing, all these success stories give me hope x

[Hidden]

Welcome. You have found the right place for support and guidance along the way. We all know how you are feeling too as we have and are living through the same thing.

Wishing you a speedy and successful round xx

[LegoBatgirl]

Welcome to the forum and best of luck with your treatment x

[Charleexn2]

I’m starting on my journey too but I have blocked Fallopian tubes so it’s IVF for me. Just wanted to say good luck xxx

[HopeandIvy in reply to Charleexn2]

Good luck to you too lovely xx