Can you plan time off for cycle and experience of Lister Fertility Clinic

[Manu16]

I’m trying to organise, as much as possible, for my first IVF cycle and understand what I need to do. I’m concerned about attending all the appointments and I was wondering if it is at all possible to have an idea when you need time off. I can take a couple of weeks off as not used my annual leave. Also does anyone have any experience of Lister Fertility Clinic in London. Any hints or tips would be much appreciated. Thank you

[Mycatsaremykids]

I’m mid way through my first cycle. I had to go to the clinic for scans on CD2, CD6, CD9, CD11, CD13 and CD16. My work is flexible so I worked round these. My follicles grew slowly so I was going through the stimulation stage for longer than they originally expected which made it a bit tricky to know when I would be at appointments.

Egg collection was CD18 and was told to take that day and the day after off work. I have had an upset stomach and felt crampy ever since so have taken it easy over the weekend. So I would recommend taking this time off too if you can.

All being well embryo transfer will be on Mon (CD23) I am going to take the day after off work too. I have warned work I may take more days off or work from home the rest of next week. I’ve heard it can get pretty intense but work might be a welcome distraction.

I guess it also depends how physical your job is and also how stressful it is. xxx

[Manu16 in reply to Mycatsaremykids]

Thank you. This is super helpful to know. Wishing you all the best xx

[AnnieAnnie]

I used this clinic on my first cycle. I found them really helpful/friendly/attentive and my protocol was tailored to me, which is so important. They scanned me and took bloods very regularly to determine my dosage of stims, which were changed regularly. I had my best cycle there - 6 eggs, 5 fertilised normally, day 3 all 5 top quality. In the end I had 3 embryos make it to day 5 and a top grade blastocyst even though I have very low AMH - but a BFN as I have since learnt I have a blood clotting issue. My subsequent 2 cycles were nhs funded but these were carried out at another big named private clinic in the UK and there is no way, if I would have known then, what I know now, would never have chosen them. I was able to easily plan my scans around my work as I only worked 2 days a week, but given the number of scans I think it would have been a struggle if I worked full-time. I suppose it depends on how much notice you would need to give if you wanted to take leave to have a scan. I believe they offer early morning scans for those that work but it also depends on how far you have to travel to the clinic. My journey in was over an hour and a half - 2 hours. I would definitely use the them again if I weren't moving abroad. Good luck xx

[Manu16 in reply to AnnieAnnie]

Thank you, this is very helpful. I went to their open day and they seemed honest about your chances but wanting to do as much as they can to help. All the best to you xx

[Hidden]

You will need 2-3 weeks off , I had to work mines around work and it was so stressful so if u have time you can take then take it. The less stress about getting to all the appointments the better. I used lister and they were amazing. So professional and great staff , and also got my BFP first cycle. Good luck x

[Manu16 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for sharing your experience. I think your right, I get anxious really easily so less pressure, the better. Best wishes xx