Referral timing?

Hi, Myself and my partner have been ttc for 2 years. We have had some tests done and my partner has a low count, my scan also showed I have pcos. We have been reffered to the fertility clinic (nhs). Does anyone know how long we should expect to wait to receive an appointment? X

[LizzieBW]

Hi Amy-Lou,

Sorry you're joining the fertility treatment gang but welcome 🙃

It's honestly massively different for every clinic and area. You're best to search on google under your CCG/health board for the nhs assisted fertility service and then contact the clinic directly to ask what their current wait list is looking like, or even if they can give you an idea of what it was pre-covid then you have to add at least a few months onto that. Some clinics have been fantastic at getting through their wait list and others have been slower reintroducing fresh cycles. Good luck! Xx

[Hidden in reply to LizzieBW]

Hi Lizzie,

Thank you for replying, I am new to this so was unsure if I had posted correctly 🤣

I will speak to my Dr tomorrow and see what they say. I think I know what ccg I come under but I wouldnt know where to start with contacting people.

All of our tests have been done in a really fast time frame which we are happy about but now I am over thinking and worrying about how long the next step may take. I know it will most likely be a long process though ☹️

I am 27 and my partner is 36, I really didn't expect to be starting on the fertility road but here we are 😊 xx

[LizzieBW in reply to Hidden]

That's so good you have found your initial tests were investigated promptly 🙂 must have been a nice relief.

It's definitely a tough process in terms of the waiting at fertility clinics, a bit of a mental battle the whole way but, as you say even having an understanding of the timescale would be a great help.

If it helps, for example I'm under nhs GGC, a health board in Scotland so I just googled "assisted fertility service nhs ggc" and it provided the reception number for the clinic within the hospital. As long as you make sure it's nhs and the correct CCG then you can't go wrong. Although some nurses at the clinic can be a little nippy, every receptionist I've spoken to (at least from personal experience) have been lovely so don't be afraid to call & checj your position on the wait list. What I have learned is it's important to be your own best advocate in this process and chasing things as early as possible is never a bad thing xx

[Hidden in reply to LizzieBW]

Thank you, I will take a look. I always like to chase things up to be honest. It does help.

I am my own worst enemy with worrying about things so i will have to keep a hold of that 🙈

I have so many questions. I dont know what to expect with a first appointment. My bmi is 26.4 and my Dr mentioned trying to get below 25 so I am already on that to make sure nothing holds up the process when it finally starts 🤞 xx

[LizzieBW in reply to Hidden]

Ufff goodness sake, your BMI is brilliant! Most CCGs want women to be 30 or below so 26 is absolutely great. If you personally wish to lose a little bit of weight then go for it gal but honestly I can guarantee you don't need to stress about that! Cheeky GP; was it a man by chance? 🙈 for us, our first appointment was sat in the waiting room for 50mins followed by a 5-10 minute chat with a consultant. They looked at my medical notes, talked through what tests we'd already had done, weighed me only, took a carbon monoxide reading from us both to check we're non-smokers then said we'd receive our next appointment in the post! Providing you and your partner don't need any other tests they'll contact you when you reach top of wait list & then bloods, swabs, more weigh ins etc after that and then consent appointments so quite a lot to get through even once you reach the top xx

[Hidden in reply to LizzieBW]

I am over weight for my height 😏 I will just bet into the normal bmi for my height and all that jazz. Might as well tick a box 🤣 It was a women, I think she just mentioned it because i am over slightly than i should be but she was really nice. Oh thats a short appointment isnt it lol.

We dont smoke either 😊 It does sound like there are a lot of tests. Hopefully my Dr has done most of the tests required for the first bits. They have been really good I actually cant fault them on this occasion lol.

Its a long process but I am just glad we had the tests done as we could of gone on trying without knowing my partners sperm count was so low.

Sorry, I feel awkward about asking questions about other peoples journey, I am worried I may offend. I want to ask but i dont know if i can 😳 xx

[LizzieBW in reply to Hidden]

If it makes you feel good losing weight, absolutely it's the right thing 😁 My BMI was 28 when I begun this process and I'm 5'4, a small size 12, go figure!? They haven't once mentioned me losing weight over all my appointments although I have been able to lose half a stone by choice over a few months, just because I was putting a few lockdown pounds on 🙊

Ask away! If you'd be more comfortable P.Ming me then go for it xx

[Hidden in reply to LizzieBW]

Im 5ft 4 too. I am a 12-14. Bmi is a bit stupid really isnt it because different body shapes look bigger or smaller. I was 10st 3 at one point but lockdown has got me so i have gained a bit. I'd like to lose half a stone or a little more, i can defo do it tho 😊

Thanks, i will do xx

[Cinderella5]

Welcome Amy-lou! As Lizzie has said the waiting times can vary greatly and with Covid around things are tricky. The clinic that you have been referred to may be able to give you a little information around waiting times just now. You could always give them a ring to check you are on the list then ask how long are patients waiting at the moment.xx

[Hidden in reply to Cinderella5]

Hi Cinderella5,

I will give my Dr a call tomorrow and discuss with them. I am unsure who to contact so hopefully the Dr can let me know.

I might just be being impatient but I guess i just want to know i at least have an appointment and then I can relax a little (if thats possible in this situation) 😊

Its nice to be able to talk with others going through similar experiences though xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to Hidden]

They may not be able to give you an appointment but for instance when we got referred we called them and said we would take a cancellation and the waiting list at that time was around 6-8 months - long time ago when I started treatment though. However I did get a cancellation which did move things along a little bit. This forum is a life saver for a lo of us, its great for support and info so you've found a great wee place to start!xx

[Hidden in reply to Cinderella5]

I would happily take a cancellation. I do feel for everyone that has been waiting for such a long time. All I can do is hope it isnt a huge waiting list for my area.

I have never seen this forum before but I always look on google for answers and when i found this i knew i had found a good one. Xx

[alicemia]

No idea, best wishes for you

[Hidden in reply to alicemia]

Thank you x