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.