IVF start date

[strawberriesandcream]

Hi all 😊

I have my first IVF appointment to collect drugs and get initial blood tests on 27th July. I thought infertility would make me more patient but after all the years of waiting, this few weeks feels like forever!

Can anyone let me know what to expect on my first appointment? I don’t want to come away underwhelmed as feels like a big deal to have got to this point. My understanding is a likely egg collection on 1st September (ish)

Thanks

[Florencenightingale]

Oooh exciting! I think at our first one (we were private so may be different) the doc gave me the lowdown on what would happen, when to start meds, what I'd take etc. Cant remember getting bloods then but was asked to go for them at the private hospital for HIV and hepatitis c etc and to fill in the consent forms etc. Felt really exciting as there was soooooo much to take in. I took a note pad and wrote it all down in quickly so I could remember what he said and I'm so glad I did. Write down any questions you have before you go because your mind will go blank!

Our first appt was 17th jan, started period 30th jan and injections 31st jan....egg collection 12th feb and transfer 17th feb. Now 24 weeks today.

One massive tip....RELAX and go with the flow, I was so clam thru it all and I'm positive it's the reason it worked. Wishing you the best of luck xxx

[strawberriesandcream in reply to Florencenightingale]

Thanks for the reply!

I am going private too. That’s useful to know about the info they gave you, they’ve gone through a lot of that already actually as because of Covid I’ve had a lot of telephone based interaction.

So pleased it worked for you first time, congratulations! And thanks for the tip...how did you manage to stay so calm? I don’t feel stressed at the moment about it but any advice on keeping that down would be welcomed!

Thanks xxx

[Florencenightingale in reply to strawberriesandcream]

Aww thats good. My doc was my nhs doc so sometimes I seen him at the nhs hospital but for egg collection and transfer it was the private one, and the scan. Do you know if you're doing short or long protocol yet? Whens your next period due?

I honestly dont know how I did it. But im the type to forget what I cant control, I just went with whatever happened and didnt think too much about it. I just kinda pretended that I was taking meds but not for IVF. Tried not to get too excited about it and not let myself get too attached. I took 2 weeks off from egg collection to chill, but I also got out and about for walks and met up with friends.

I was offered an endometrial scratch, was told its not evidence based that it works, but I had nothing to lose. I ate brazil nuts every day, pomegranate juice after egg collection and kept my feet warm for a good month before and after treatment. I also took high dose vitamin d (4000iu from holland and Barrett) before treatment.

Feel free to look at my page for some info, theres not a lot on there but it obvs worked for me. Give me a shout if you need anything. And massive good luck xxx

[strawberriesandcream in reply to Florencenightingale]

I think I’m on a normal protocol, period is due 5th August. To be honest I can relate to what you’re saying about taking meds but not for a baby, I feel quite detached about the whole thing like this is an operation I’ve got to have which is making me not feel too excited. Maybe it’s because I associate having sex with having a baby whereas this is so not sexy 😂

Thanks for your replies, I’ll take a look at your page. Seeing it worked first time for you gives me hope. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy 🥰

[Florencenightingale in reply to strawberriesandcream]

Yeah it made all the difference for me and felt like I hadnt even had IVF. So theres shirt and long protocol. Shirt is where unjustbstartbtaking stimulating meds to produce follicles. Long is where they shut u down for a month before you start. We were so very lucky. I hope you are too.. keep me updated xxx