How long between first appointments and treatment starting?

[Westcoastwestie]

Hi, we are really new to this. We know why we can’t conceive naturally and have known for years we would need ivf. We have our first appointment with Barts in June. I now find myself in a position with work where I could potentially move jobs but would have to give my notice by May 31st. If treatment is likely to start this year I’m reluctant to move and take more on when I might be taking time off quite soon after. Does anyone have an experience of Barts timeline and how long things might take? Thanks.

[Alice4090]

I did my Ivf with Barts and I had good experience with them. But waiting time between appointments was very long...3...4 months for me. Most likely you will need some tests done before ivf. From GP referral in july 2019 I did my Ivf only october 2020. Good luck!

[Bexarama83]

Hey. I don’t use bars but my first consultation was in Oct 20 and I started my 1st cycle in jan 21. Think there’s backlogs due to COVID. Good luck! X

[PER12]

I had my 3 NHS funded at Barts and was also happy with the service overall. Didn’t work for me but it’s so much down to luck, it had nothing to do with the Barts team. But it is slow indeed, and with Covid there’s a huge backlog like @Bexarama83 said. The more tests you can do with your GP ahead of your appt the better. From my first appt to them to the start of my treatment, I waited 6 months and this was in 2019!

And if I may read this blog theduff.co.uk/ it was a life saver for me. Learnt so much - NHS team simply don’t have time to explain anything sadly.

Good luck!

[Westcoastwestie in reply to PER12]

I can’t thank you enough for that link. Felt like I fell down a rabbit hole reading everything but it was great. Thank you again.

[Westcoastwestie]

Thank you for the replies.

We had the tests done a while ago and know what’s going on. I know they will need to up date mine.

It’s so hard because it’s taken 4 months between asking for the referral and the first appointment.

Can I ask- what happens at the first appointment? All of our paperwork is filled out. We know we need IVF as it’s a genetic issue. Is it going back over what the specialists told us before or will it be planning next steps?

Thanks for the link as well. I hate surprises so the more information I have the better I feel.