Treatment cancelled

[Daisy08]

We were on a waiting list for egg collection at Guys. It is our second round self funded so we are not new patients but all treatments have been cancelled or postponed indefinitely. Is this the same everywhere? Have others experienced this? Really concerned about the delay as I turn 40 at the end of the year.

[Nat246]

Yes all private and nhs cancelled. The regulator HFEA instructed all clinics to stop treatment.

It is so frustrating isn’t it!!!!!!!

[Daisy08 in reply to Nat246]

Thanks Nat246 I wasn't sure if it was just Guys or everyone. Looks like everyone 😢

[Jessy1280]

Same as me I'm 40 in December and my anxiety is through the roof. I'm desperate to do a FET ASAP (self funded). I hate the fact that they can do this. I've emailed the British fertility society, hfea and downing street but no joy. This literally affects thousands of us. The uncertainty of when we'll all be able to try again is seriously getting me down x

[Daisy08 in reply to Jessy1280]

Hi Jessy sorry to hear you are in the same position. There's never a good time for a delay like this but approaching 40 is really stressful. I guess we just have to hope it will all restart soon. We were already on a waiting list until July so I am concerned how long it will be once this has passed. Xx

[Hidden]

Yes as the others have said - all private and NHS cancelled - they need the nurses and need the beds for Covid 19 patients. I guess amidst our disappointment we have to realise its a small sacrifice if we can save lives.

You are very much in good company here, I am 43 and there are loads of people on here who are late 30's, early 40s and all feel like they are under considerable time pressure... hopefully we can all help each other get through the angst and worry and all be celebrating our births in about a years time xx

[Bridj99 in reply to Hidden]

Sorry for your news. Im in similar position. The thing is- when they say cancel no urgent outpatients. They don't seem to realise that for a-lot of women time is not on our side and could make the difference of having a child or not.

Very sad times x

[Daisy08 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Daisy you're right. It feels so selfish to be upset about this and I do understand that all energy needs to be directed to caring for the sick. It does really help talking to people on here and hopefully as you say things will get back on track soon. Just need to try to stay positive in the meantime. Xx

[LA-B-19]

Paul Brand at ITV news raised this issue on the Friday 10 o’clock news. If you google his name you should find both the segment and a written report. He was calling on the government/regulators for clarification around when they will be able to start again. Hopefully it has helped raise the issue to the higher ups.

[Peony85 in reply to LA-B-19]

Thanks for sharing this. An excellent segment that really resonated with me.

[Italy300618 in reply to LA-B-19]

I saw that. I was glad IVF made the news it's about time it gets recognised xx

[Jessy1280 in reply to LA-B-19]

I hope we all get some clarity soon. It would defo ease my anxiety. Xx

[Daisy08 in reply to LA-B-19]

Thank you will take a look. Xx

[KateBrian]

This video from Dr Jane Stewart, who is the Chair of the British Fertility Society, explains why they advised clinics not to carry on with treatment at this time - britishfertilitysociety.org...

[LA-B-19 in reply to KateBrian]

This still feels like they are saying (in part) that one of the reasons for stopping treatments is the risk to pregnant women, and their potential need for NHS services. Which still leaves me with the question as to why people without fertility issues aren’t also being asked to put on hold their attempts to get pregnant? I know they couldn’t enforce it in any way, but I’m surprised it hasn’t been raised as an ‘if you can afford to wait please do’ type of thing? 🤔

[RhinoCat in reply to LA-B-19]

My exact thoughts ☝️

[Starlight86 in reply to LA-B-19]

It’s so upsetting. The chief medical officer in Scotland did advise people not to become pregnant at this time which I was glad she stood up and said. Still hard seeing memes etc of quarantine babies etc too. I really hope they will prioritise getting fertility treatment back on track as soon as they can once this crisis is over.

[Bridj99]

Hi ladies, I feel your pain. Ive been waiting since Jan to start. I was planned to start In next few months. I turn 40 end July so assume will have to pay if doesn't get done. Im gutted three miscarriages and partner has a genetic condition. Frustrating as we would have been entitled to PGD which would have given us three cycles of IVF but no one told us! Im too old for this now. Hopefully they will be able to start back soon. I am a nurse so part if me doubts this but have to keep praying xxx

[Daisy08 in reply to Bridj99]

So sorry to hear this Bridj. Let's hope we all get some better news before too long. Xx

[Corchi]

There is no proof whatsoever that pregnant women are more sensitive to getting virus then other people. My thoughts are its just an "inconveniece" for doctors and hospitals and not deemed neccessary which is a crock if shit if you ask me.

[Jessy1280]

I don't understand why private clinics are forced to stop. They won't be going to work for the NHS and my clinics confirmed this. Its our flipping money! The harp on that female age is the single most important factor when it comes to fertility yet they're delaying the whole thing. Nobody but nobody has been told to stop conceiving naturally. What about FETs, embryos already Created. So upset by it all x

[Tigr]

Hi all, I don't think this is just about getting the virus. Fever and pregnancy do not mix well and with ivf there is always the possibility of overstimulation that might require hospital stays. Hospital stays will not be easily available once infections go up, so this is a personal risk for all of us not to be looked after as well as necessary (apart from even getting the virus in a hospital which has happened in other countries).

On a non-personal level, every person that is not essential and still works will potentially increase the spread and contribute to overwhelming the NHS. This includes nurses, embryologists, reception and co. Lots of people come in and out of a clinic in a day and it just increases the risk for you and your dear ones, the staff and society. How would ivf work with a 2m distance or how would we justify using the protective gear for ivf when it is running low in hospitals looking after people that are at the verge of death and infectious? I do understand your frustration. I was suposed to have a fet with my next cycle and I know I will be in tears about it not going forward when af starts. I am absolutely with you about the age argument and I hope they will relax the funding requirements for the NHS accordingly and it is good to remind politicians about that. It is frustrating as people not requiring assistance can just proceed and it feels like it is just us left behind. The thing is, they can just stop stuff they have control about. This control (luckily) doesn't reach into bedrooms, but it does reach into hospitals. Ivf is not the only area affected. Loads of surgeries have been delayed because of being non-essential, even if they would improve the life of the patients. This is just what it is at the moment. It is sad, you have every right to grieve and be angry, but there is not much we can do about this at the moment. Don't let this pull you down too much and for long in a time that is already a challenge for all of us. Give yourself time to grieve but also try to focus on things you can change. I hope you will be all doing alright. Is a difficult time. Hugs!

[Daisy08 in reply to Tigr]

Thanks Tigr a very reasonable argument. What you are saying makes perfect sense and I do know really there are reasons behind it and a bigger picture. Xx

[Hidden]

It’s partly to do with anaesthetists being needed for egg collection and also to do with not wanting mums or babies at risk in labour if they’re still short staffed in 9 months time. I know it’s heartbreaking (we’re in the same position) but there is a much bigger picture than lockdown.

[Hidden]

I just now read the info on clinic website. My eyes are full of tears and can’t believe that is actually happening this. I’ve tried to get pregnant for 8 years. This is my first cycle, waiting for embryo transfer and now, everything is postponed until further notice. I hope I can go through this period.

[Daisy08]

So sorry to hear this Magda. Sending you big hugs. This process is so hard anyway and this has thrown a massive curveball. Xx