Alternative IVF Update

[Hopecontinues]

Hi,

For anyone following my alternative IVF journey, I wanted to give you an update before I forget how crazy this is.

I went to North Cyprus last week for egg collection with donor cytoplasm transfer. My first appointment was on Friday. All the appointments I was supposed to have didn't happen. I was sent straight into a room for a scan. The doctor came in, did a scan that lasted less than a minute, he didn't count the follicles, only measured one follicle and then he told me I have virtually no chance given my age even with cytoplasmic transfer and i should fertlise my eggs and do donor separately to maximise success. (I had 18 follicles last Tuesday that were on track).

Then they said they'll transfer 3 - a mixture of mine and donor to increase the chances. Now, as you might imagine, that is not what I want so had to insist on the original plan. I don't have a problem producing eggs, they just lack energy to grow, hence using the cytoplasm from a donor.

Then they tried to say the price had increased, but didn't tell me to what, just said they'd find out. I put my foot down, showed the original emails and refused to pay more. They then agreed, but they wanted the whole amount up front. I refused and so they let me pay part now, then tried to take that twice. I have to say, the experience was very stressful.

Last night I had egg collection. I never saw the doctor, he wasn't there when they put me under and left before I woke up. Nobody could tell me how many eggs were collected - is this normal? I've always been told this in previous cycles.

I flew back to the UK this morning, still don't know how many eggs were collected by me or the donor. I'm still waiting for information on the donor and I have to fly back on Friday for transfer, but have no idea of what.

On the plus side, despite a lack of information and a doctor who is so busy, he spends no time with you, the staff are really nice and that was my easiest transfer to date. The first 2 , I had ohss and the third i had internal bleeding.

So, now I sit and wait and try not to freak out.

I don't mean to put anyone off, just want to prepare anyone for the experience.

[Redsequin]

Ugh omg how stressful!! It’s a bit suspect that they suddenly changed their minds about the protocol and then the cost you’d originally agreed. Is there only one doctor at the clinic? Could you complain and ask for a different one going forward?

Anyway, I hope you find out the mystery number of eggs collected soon and that it’s a good haul! 🧡

[Hopecontinues in reply to Redsequin]

He owns the clinic. I did see another doctor when I came round, but he didn't know anything about my treatment or results. He did say I had the best fertility doctor in Cyprus treat me. Who knows 🤷‍♀️

[Redsequin in reply to Hopecontinues]

Well, let's hope he's amazing and just hides his talents really well...😅

[Hopecontinues in reply to Redsequin]

🤣, given that I had to self medicate, I don't think he can take much credit. 🤣

[Skittles11]

I feel for you. This sounds really quite stressful and something you could do without. I'd have expected someone to be able to tell you how many eggs were collected, I assumed it was standard to do that but then I have had all egg collections at the same clinic so I could be wrong. I hope it gets cleared up soon and you find a suitable way forward x

[Hopecontinues in reply to Skittles11]

I've used 2 different clinics and had 3 previous cycles and by this stage I'd know how many eggs were collected and how many had fertilised.

I'm trying to remain calm and see the bigger picture, but when you go somewhere unregulated, you can't help wondering what is happening.

Thanks for replying.

[Elleri85]

Really hope you get some information soon. Keeping everything crossed for you x

[Hopecontinues in reply to Elleri85]

I've just chased this morning and have been told the doctor will give me details before transfer on Friday. This is so stressful and can't be right. Why can't they give me the details? I'm ashamed to say, that i lost my cool and told them it's unacceptable and I'm not flying back unless I get the details.

[Elleri85 in reply to Hopecontinues]

Have they replied? It 100% doesn’t sound right and am not surprised you lost your cool 😩

[Hopecontinues in reply to Elleri85]

So, still no reply on the number of eggs, but they did say that 9 have fertilised. I think they're mine. They're refusing to mention donor ones, unless that's a mixture of mine and donor.

[Elleri85 in reply to Hopecontinues]

That’s a good fertilisation rate but must be driving you crazy not knowing specifics 😩😩

[Hopecontinues in reply to Elleri85]

That's what I thought, but was told this morning that 9 is mine and the donors, but they won't tell me the break down. Weirdly, they say I had low numbers, but I know I had 18 follicles, so I don't believe they collected low numbers. I also have mild ohss, so I know the numbers were higher. They want me to fly to North Cyprus just to have a meeting with the doctor and his meetings are about 2 mins long. Who would fly out to North Cyprus to have a consultation, with no knowledge of whether a transfer is able to take place? Anyone?

[JudithSS]

Omgggggg how stressful! I hope you get some news tomorrow x

[Hopecontinues in reply to JudithSS]

Thanks for replying. I have now been told 9 fertilised.