I have seen a few posts on this. Sadly a couple of them are about the clinics cancelling (am so so sorry for those involved as it’s just so heartbreaking). My question is that if your clinic is trying to stay open will you go ahead as normal? As of yesterday, my clinic said it was business as usual. When I questioned them about whether I would get a refund if they had to close during my treatment they said that they didn’t have an official policy on this as yet but that, sadly, it was unlikely. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this is the policy of most private clinics (obvs please check with your own.) Is it worth the risk and money?? The thing is that if I don’t start stims next week I might actually be looking at a good few months before I can start again. The corona virus is going to get so much worse before it gets better.
Very interested to hear from people in the same boat. As I said I start stims next week but this applies to anyone starting a transfer cycle too.
Thanks all. Xx
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hifer
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I called my clinic in Glasgow and they said it’s running as normal just now but obv that might change I am waiting on my period arriving to start a short protocol for my FET I have waited so long after a previous cancelled cycle 😢so worrying fingers crossed it doesn’t 🤞x
I know it’s a nightmare isn’t it had such an affect on everything I am doing through the nhs so I won’t be surprised if they cancel it I know some nhs clinics have cancelled not mine yet though x
Cmc2020 are you at the Royal? I’ve had my prostap injection to start my FET and appointment on Thursday for scan and collect my progynova. I so want to keep going but I am worried they will cancel it. Xx
Hey yeah I am at the royal I have called them twice about it and they said everything is fine for now there end so still go to apps Intill told other wise so fingers crossed the protocol your doing I done two months ago but my lining wasn’t right so had to cancel and I am waiting on my LATE period coming to start a shorter protocol and hopefully this works I really don’t want it cancelled either after waiting so long
Just need to see what happens I will follow you on this and keep each other updated 😬xx
Morning, I couldn’t wait, I called and reception advised that my appointment should go ahead and they will contact me in plenty of time if it will be cancelled. X
That’s good news! My appointment is tomorrow first thing to start testing for ovulation so hopefully will still go ahead and I ovulate before any shut down 🤞🏽Although I think it will be next week if not the one after and who knows where we will be by then 🤷🏻♀️🙈 hope it all goes ahead for you xx
Thats such good news! Can I ask which clinic you are at? So much uncertainty for everyone, its not fair. Hope it continues with them going ahead as normal xx
I’ve seen that. It’s troubling. They’re basically saying that the evidence isn’t strong enough either way to determine whether pregnancy is safe, so they’re erring on the side of extreme caution. Will be interesting to see what the HFEA says.
Hi. I’m really interested to see what everyone’s thoughts are on this too. My clinic is staying open (obviously things may change) but I’m really uncertain about whether to go ahead or not. I’m due to pick up my medication next week and start down regulation in two weeks for my FET. Sorry to everyone having their cycles cancelled. Such an upsetting thing to have to go through xx
Thank you, that is helpful and I did see it. My question was a bit more whether people were deciding to cancel rather than the clinics. My clinic is open but is saying that if they have to close half way through then I will be liable for the treatment cost. I was wondering if people were willing to take that risk x
Ah, I totally understand your concerns about that. I will definitely go ahead if my clinic is open. Time is of the essence in this process, and there just seems to be no end in sight with this epidemic. I trust my clinic to know whether it’s safe to go through treatment and potentially be pregnant. That said, I don’t judge others who are concerned/scared. Everyone needs to do what’s right for them! ❤️
If my clinic is open then I’m going ahead! I’ve had enough set backs that unless the clinic say no as they are closing to use staff elsewhere (understandable) I’m not pulling out of my own accord....my works already asked us all to work from home so I can be self isolating anyway all I need is the clinic to put the embryo in 😂🤞🏽In the next 2 weeks. I might be being stubborn but that’s where my heads at xx
aww hopefully it’s all business as usual then at the royal and you get started 🤞🏽 I’m doing my first natural FET this month with no meds so all I need is the clinic to test my blood for ovulation then Transfer the embryo 5 days later... praying I ovulate soon! 😂 xx
Yeah that’s them closed now until further notice no appointments or transfers will take place at all. We’ve to check website for when they are open again gutted xxx
Yeah they have said as we were booked in we will get priory when they do open up again but we need to call them basically and to keep an eye on the website for when to do that xx
Thanks that’s really helpful. I’m self isolating too so all I need to do during treatment is get to the clinic and back for scans and bloods. Your determination is reassuring thank you xx
hi,I started my first cycle two days ago. My clinic said the guidance they had was not to take any further measures for another 3 weeks so hopefully I will be okay. Frightening times
As long as the clinic is open, I will carry on treatment - I am 42 so every month counts unfortunately. I am considering doing a freeze all though (if I have anything to freeze) and waiting until after the peak of the crisis for transfer.
Am with you on that as I’m 41 and that’s why I’m doing a third egg collection. Like you say though you could hold out for transferring if needs be. I’d be doing a FET anyway xx
I went to my clinic yesterday (private clinic in London) for the pre-cycle meeting and to pick up my meds for a short protocol that in theory will start in a couple of weeks. They said they’re taking it a day at a time but currently business as usual. They said if they give the go ahead to start stims when I call when my next period starts, then they will finish the cycle.
Yes, I think it’s that they medically don’t want to stop half way through a stims cycle. So I assume if things get really bad they’ll just decide not to start cycles if they think they wouldn’t be able to finish them. I’m really hoping that I will be able to continue and know they’re monitoring every day. But still a ways to go. We have a lot to coordinate as we’re doing a same day sperm retrieval so it’s all making me a bit nervous but know we can’t control it.
It's all very worrying. My clinic hasnt expressed any concern over cancelling and I will go ahead as long as I am fit and well. Trying to take all the precautions so that we dont get it.
I couldn't bear the though of postponing because who knows when this will all be done and dusted, it could be months and months, weve waited long enough to get everything in place for this cycle, I just hope that it all goes smoothly and it doesn't get cancelled half way through.
My clinics currently continuing as normal. I’m due to start my meds for a FET when my period arrives, which will be in about 2 weeks. We’ve decided to go ahead with treatment, if I’m fit and healthy too🤞🏼 my last 2 FETs were cancelled and I can’t bear the thought of having to wait even longer to try again. As many women have said, we don’t know how long we could be waiting for if we decide to delay it.
However, I am concerned that my clinic will stop treatment before my period arrives as in this current climate a lot can change in 2 weeks. I feel for all the women going through this right now. We can’t catch a break, there’s always something to worry about! All we can do is take it one day at a time and try and keep ourselves fit and healthy xx
I’m so with you. It’s just another thing to worry about it and things are changing day to day as you say. Let’s hope you can start in 2 weeks time 🤞🤞xx
Hey hifer, I completely understand why you would be stressing out. It's so much money & for the clinic to say they wouldnt refund is shit when they would be cancelling you. I'm only doing a frozen transfer so wouldn't miss out too much so I'm planning to go ahead but I have a little time on my hands to see how it all plays out as I'm only starting a prep cycle. Our clinic is still open in Athens with no plans to close but that could of course change. We all got an email from our coordinator to update and reassure us that "Medically we have been advised that getting this virus poses no greater risk in pregnancy than contracting any other virus". Which was helpful to hear too. Good luck with your decision.xxx
Keeping everything crossed your clinic stays open. Sounds like they have been very reassuring. We hadn’t actually had any reassurance until I emailed the nurses which surprised me as normally they’ve been very good. I guess the problem is that things are changing all the time, especially in London so it’s just so difficult to tell!! Xxx
The local hospital that I work in are having daily meetings and the uncertainty of the situation is the big problem. I dont think they've ever had to deal with anything like that. I just think its harsh that if they do cancel then you lose out on your cycle and those stims are bloody expensive. I'll give you a giggle, went to the supermarket last night and the wine shelves were almost empty with panic buying...no joke! Only in Scotland!!🤣🤣xx
That’s hilarious. I bloody love the Scots! They know how to deal with a crisis. If only we could drink through it going through IVF!! I know it is harsh. The only plus side is that my clinic is a chain. I am hoping that if mine gets shut in an emergency then I might be able to go elsewhere. They have not suggested this but I suspect they would do everything to help where they can so I’m hoping it’s a possibility. Drink on through it Scotland 🍷🍷😂😂xx
To be fair in times of uncertainty wine is much more useful than loo roll! I was surprised at how relaxed my clinic was having just come from the Hilton in Humberside which was littered in hand sanitizer. I am with access fertility on a meds included multi-cycle package - I have not looked into the costs of cancellation to be honest (I am a contracts manager and I will just go into overdrive worrying if I look at the contract) I am just eyes on the prize at the moment and will deal with any issues as they arise!
I think that’s a good way of looking at it actually. We can’t count for every contingency and like you say, you can send yourself mad with worry so you may as well not bother!! Good luck xx
I’m due to do embryo transfer next Monday and have been self isolating for a week now already. Went for a scan yesterday and another on Monday and wore gloves and a mask and zipped in and out. Praying my clinic doesn’t close by Monday 23/3 😔😊
Me too my transfer date is 23rd/24th next scan is on monday. I’ve been hibernating and I’m just praying that the clinic don’t cancel xxx fingers crossed xxx
Hi hifer, I've just started down regulation so have 2 weeks till stims. I checked the website of my clinic and they have said they are still going ahead with everything currently with extra measures in place. They have said that pregnant woman are not at as high a risk. I'm doing my cycle through the nhs but the clinic is a private clinic so not sure if this will remain the same as this progresses.
I really hope it goes ahead for everyone in the same position. This is truly heartbreaking for those who have had theirs cancelled xx
Me too. Thanks for the response. Keeping everything crossed for you. Xx
I start stimulation today and I am going ahead.
Government says virus will increase in 4 weeks and peak in 10 weeks, so I am not delaying because this situation seems like it will deteriorate.
If you are with a private clinic, I think you will be ok. They seem to have measures in place if a staff member gets sick. You will also be entitled to a refund (legally), but if you get sick then you won't get a refund - I am staying indoors for two weeks throughout my injections so it doesn't interrupt my treatment and taking every precaution. I think it is a very personal decision.
We’re both staying indoors too. I’m going stir crazy already!! I agree it’s going to get worse so surely better to do it now?! It’s more that if a staff member goes off sick all other staff in proximity will have to self isolate so will it be able to stay open? Do you definitely know I’ll be entitled to a refund legally if they close? They are saying that probably won’t happen at this stage. Good luck with stims. Hopefully I won’t be far behind you. Xx
I know...I am even walking two hours to the clinic instead of getting on the tube! I am also staying with my 70 year old dad....so need to be careful! Also these hormones will lower our immunity slightly, so good to be cautious!
"The previous generation was asked to go to war, we are asked to stay at home" - so in context I guess we are lucky
I am going a bit mad already and had a meltdown yesterday because I broke four water vials and they smashed (why do we have to break glass, it is crazy!).
Legally, yes. You won't get a refund for medication but you will for any treatment. Although they will probably ask to postpone rather than refund. If you get sick, then you won't get a refund. We also wouldn't get a refund on any medication...
Do you mind me asking if you are a lawyer? I only ask as my clinic have already said it is unlikely that we will get a refund on our treatment cycle so any advice you can give is much appreciated. Obviously there will be no refund on meds (which are so expensive!)
Oh god I couldn't get on the tube at the mo I don't think. Good on you for taking the extra exercise although 2 hours is a real commitment. Well done! Stay sane. I think it's definitely going to drive me insane too!! Meltdowns here we comes...!!
Due for a transfer next week. Apparently all going ahead. Nervous to move forwards, but also hesitant to stop in case there are months of delays. More uncertainty - that's just what IVF warriors need. Pfft. X
I've put mine on hold, not because of the money (I'm private with the NHS and they said if I don't have the transfer I only pay for meds if it was to get cancelled) but because I want to be the healthiest and stress free as possible. Doing it now while the world is like this is for me personally is not what I need 😣 I would be constantly worrying. So I would rather wait a few months. In the meantime I'm going to carry on trying naturally lol xxx
I’m due for an embryo transfer 23/3 and I have just done and am doing all my hormone medication for a medicated cycle. I will be absolutely gutted if it doesn’t go through and feel sick waiting to see if my clinic will tell me it’s not happening private clinic in athens greece
I am expecting to go for egg collection on the 19th, and it's a super stressful situation, to the point where I am debating whether to stop in the middle of stims. As part of this cycle, I am taking dexomethazone, which is now suspected of worsening COVID symptoms if I get infected. I am self-isolating and only go out of home to walk to the clinic and back home (1 hour walk each way!). Sadly, waiting rooms at the clinic are packed (I couldn't even sit if I wanted to), and my upcoming surgery is going to lower my immunity levels...this is very worrying. My clinic finally sent a message to all patients yesterday, saying that they were encouraging people to switch to phone consultations were possible...a little too late in my opinion.
Basically, I feel that going ahead with this cycle requires a certain level of insanity.
Wow that does sound stressful. Sorry the waiting rooms are packed! My clinic is doing phone consultations too which should minimise numbers for you. Do you think you could wait 4 days or are you just too stressed/ worried about it all? Really feel for you.
I'm so beyond frustrated about this virus. I feel like there is just always something stopping me getting a chance to be pregnant! I honestly feel like there is someone telling me somewhere I should not have a baby! If the clinic cancels, then I know they are doing it for the right reasons and will obviously just accept it, but I know I will be disappointed.
I've not officially heard anything from my clinic (in Manchester, UK) re cancelling any cycles due to coronavirus and my FET (which will be my first ever FET, 2x failed attempts at a fresh transfer - First attempt = no embryos made it to day 5, Second attempt, new egg donor = they found a polyp in my uterus onthe day of donor egg collection, so cycle cancelled, and I have had that removed now and all embryos frozen (but yey, atleast we have embies in the freezer). I'm now just waiting for my period and then start whatever meds I need to take for a FET. I have a call with the clinic on Wednesday so perhaps I will know more then. In response to your specific question hifer , I probably would go ahead with the FET yes, if I was feeling healthy and the clinic were open and still performing FETs.
I know in the grand scheme of things, the coronavirus is a huge global crisis and me having to wait a while to have a FET is not a big deal in comparison, but I know you guys will understand the frustration. I had 2 pregnancy announcements over the weekend. And I really do not see the funny side when people are joking about how there will be a baby boom in 9 months time, as people are stuck at home and have nothing better to do. I could cry.
Big hug to you too lovely. I feel totally the same as you. Meant to be starting down reg on Sunday, on Friday at the clinic everything was as normal. They had extra precautions in place, taking peoples temperature on arrival, and hand sanitiser everywhere!
I would go ahead if I am fit and well, and just hope clinic dont close. Hope you find out more Wednesday and still ok to go ahead, lots of love xx
I totally understand how you feel and so will everyone else on here. I'm just waiting to hear if my clinic is still business as usual as it was on Friday so keeping everything crossed. I know what you mean as there always seem to be some hurdle to get over sadly. Sending big hugs xx
Hi im halfway through down reg and got a call from belfast RVH to stop nasal spray, cycle cancelled don't know when I can restart again, can't believe management authorities have decided to stop treatments when patients have started their cycle it's completely unfair....
Oh no I’m so sorry to hear this. I really feel for you. This is heartbreaking!! Xx
Hey lovely, I spoke to my clinic today about starting round 5.. they told me to do it sooner rather than later due to my age and that my chances were very low (OUCH! Just called them to tell them about my failed cycle I didnt need that sort of pressure!).. but when I asked about Corona they said they are screening everyone as they came in and the moment anyone had a temperature they were shutting the clinic down - they said it was up to me if I wanted to start or not but if I made it to first scan and then they shut down I would still have to pay the full cycle costs AND the costs of the meds to that date. (we pay on first scan).. its a complete head scramble. I was going to start in May, now my OH is saying start April and try and squeeze it in but I feel like thats too soon (Still on withdrawal bleed) but would kick myself if I had to wait 6 months but would kick myself if we threw 6k away!!! Also not sure how good it is for your body to stop start treatment!?
Oh god I so feel for you. I’m basically in the same boat. My clinic said I was liable to pay if they had to cancel half way through. I think, personally, it’s better to do it sooner rather than later as this will only get worse. My clinic was still open today and we are still planning to start stims this week all being well. I really feel for you in the decision making though. It’s so so tough! Xx
Hi hifer its horrible just feel gutted atm wine chocolates and movie for me x
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